Evaluation of the performance of 'optimizing the use of industrial buildings' scheme

Abstract

The industrial buildings had once brought prosperity to Hong Kong. However, due to the transition of economic structure throughout the years, the industrial sector has phased out since 1990s. In order to utilize the land in the industrial districts, the Government has put forward a programme known as “Optimizing the Use of Industrial Buildings (OUIB)” in 2010 to facilitate the revitalization of old industrial buildings. This paper aimed to review the performance of the said programme.

To evaluate the OUIB programme, two industrial districts were selected for comparison - Kwun Tong District and Kwai Chung District. Although OUIB is a universal policy to designated industrial districts, the managerial performances of the two districts were found greatly different. The focus of the study hence moved to the factors affecting the success of OUIB.

In the subsequent interview and survey, it was understood that due to the unique nature of Hong Kong, urban renewal cannot solely rely on OUIB, instead, authority like the Energizing Kowloon East Office (EKEO) is desirable to consolidate effort of various Government departments to renew the surrounding environment and infrastructure of the district as stated in the urban renewal strategy of Hong Kong.

Finally, this paper identified the third element for the success of the renewal policy for old industrial districts. The Government was required to create value and meaning for the districts. The concept was illustrated by the example of Kwun Tong. The blueprint of the region was established since 2000s. It had been successfully switched from an industrial district to a new central business district (CBD) in accordance with the planning of the Government.

After all, the aforesaid three criteria were identified for the success of OUIB and the overall urban renewal strategy for the old industrial districts. Only if these factors are achieved, the performance of OUIB can be assured and fabulous result can be reached.