Novel Ways To Promote Building Safety

To provide building rehabilitation related information and assistance services all under one roof, the Urban Renewal Authority established the first Building Rehabilitation Resource Centre in To Kwa Wan.

Through the use of 4D visual technology, visitors are shown the serious consequences of neglecting building maintenance, with mascot "BRBot" serving as a tour guide to introduce the various exhibition areas.

Urban Renewal Authority Manager (Building Rehabilitation) Samuel Wong said they applied digital technology to showcase the importance of building maintenance and rehabilitation in improving citizens' living environment and extending the lifespan of buildings.

“Here, we take a fun and innovative approach to raise public awareness about building rehabilitation and maintenance, and the introduction of the new concept of preventative maintenance.”

Crucial assistance

Mrs Chan lives in a nearly 50-year-old private residential building in Jordan. As the owners' corporation chairperson, she decided to join a guided tour of the centre.

She learnt about the different building rehabilitation subsidy schemes and application procedures and was quick to share her new-found information with the corporation members.

They then decided to apply for the Operation Building Bright 2.0 scheme and the Fire Safety Improvement Works Subsidy Scheme.

“Our building’s external wall finishes are peeling, so we need to fix that as soon as possible.

“If I had not joined the tour, I would not have known that our building is eligible to apply for the Operation Building Bright 2.0 scheme.

“Building repair and maintenance costs are expensive. If our applications for these subsidy schemes are successful, our resident owners say they are willing to support the building rehabilitation work.”

Rehabilitation tour

The centre was officially opened to the public in July 2023. By the end of the year, about 6,000 people had entered its doors.

More than 40 tours were organised for the general public, building owners and professional organisations, and the response has been positive.

Property Management Company Assistant Property & Facility Manager Pansy Ip described the tour as being informative and effective.

“As I am now working in a 10-year-old commercial building, in the past, I did not know this kind of new building would need some maintenance work. After I joined this tour, I plan to take this information and apply it to our building.”

Aside from the guided tour, visitors are welcome to pop in to the centre during office hours without the need to book an appointment in advance and admission is free.

There is a video consultation service available for those who intend to apply for the various building rehabilitation subsidy schemes and they can go through the relevant application procedures, fill in the application forms and submit documents online.