Residents Divided On Kowloon City Revamp

Some residents on Friday expressed sorrow that the Kowloon City they’ve known for years will disappear under a redevelopment plan, while others said it's high time that the district gets a major facelift.

The Urban Renewal Authority earlier unveiled a plan that will see the Kowloon City wet market relocated, and some of its surrounding areas demolished to make way for more than 4,000 new flats over the next 15 years.

A woman surnamed Lee said she goes to the market every other day and will be unhappy to see it go.

"I've got used to coming here. There are a lot of people who work here whom I am very close to," she told RTHK.

But a customer surnamed Ho said he feels positive about the redevelopment.

"I guess the new facilities should at least be cleaner and tidier than the old facilities," he said.

Another customer, surnamed Tsoi, said the government needs to strike a balance between renewing the neighbourhood and retaining its distinct character, noting the many Thai restaurants and shops in the area.

"The stores and the market is actually one of the attraction points in Kowloon City. Some people really enjoy shopping around here for the specialty food," he said.