HONG KONG, July 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The Hong Kong Institute of Housing ("HKIH") is in support of the HKSAR Government's scheme of revitalizing industrial buildings. The scheme expedites environmental improvement in the local community, and helps to boost supply of commercial and residential properties, this, in a way, can ease partially the housing problems and insufficient supply of commercial properties. However, HKIH is of the opinion that the policy should go hand in hand with a comprehensive and balanced planning which can avoid undermining development potential and creating other social problems in the community.
HKIH points out that with the change of land use from industrial to commercial buildings or hotels, the pedestrian flow near the revitalized buildings will increase tremendously and building's opening hours will be longer. Pedestrian flow will also become more dispersed if retail stores are available. These changes will call for various property management modes, and more professional personnel in managing the building facilities. Practitioners have to possess relevant professional knowledge and skills to manage mixed-use development. HKIH will encourage continuing education in order that property management practitioners can meet the new requirements of revitalization. In the long term, professional property management can ensure proper usage of the revitalized buildings and environmental improvement of the local community.
The increasing demand for quality property management talents can create more job opportunities of the industry, which in return benefiting the industry and Hong Kong's job market as a whole. This explains why HKIH is basically in favor of the scheme.
Currently, applications of revitalizing industrial buildings are filed by landlords on a voluntary basis and with few successful cases. With an aim to improve the community's environment and to increase commercial and residential land use, HKIH recommends that the Government can offer more incentives to landlords, and can assign special departments for processing the applications with full speed.
HKIH believes that land is a valuable resource in Hong Kong, and therefore, HKIA supports smart use of land. The scheme of revitalizing industrial buildings is important in terms of enhancing communities' environment and increasing Hong Kong's competitiveness. The Government should be consistent in implementing comprehensive urban planning and related policies. At the same time, the property management industry gains momentum when the Government promotes revitalization of industrial buildings as the scheme can raise further the professional standard and employment opportunity of the industry. HKIH pledges to fully support the Government and the industry in this regard.
About The Hong Kong Institute of Housing
The Hong Kong Institute of Housing was incorporated in Hong Kong on 29 November 1988. As at May 2012, the HKIH has around 2,500 members. Together, the HKIH's members are responsible for the management of not less than 70% of all the housing stock in Hong Kong. Members are engaged in the co-ordination and execution of housing services incorporating the design, provision, improvement, rehabilitation, management and administration of all types of housing. Apart from actively expanding local network, the HKIH is forging close links with property management associations and academic institutions in Taiwan, Macau and mainland China.
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