Highlights of the Year 2022-23

Project Planning

• Utilised long-, medium- and short-term strategies to identify suitable sites or premises in different types of development projects, including public housing development projects, private land development projects, development projects of the Urban Renewal Authority, redevelopment/conversion projects of vacant school premises and development projects on “Government, Institution or Community” (G/IC) sites, etc.  The aim is to provide welfare facilities that cater to the needs of the community.  SWD has also incorporated conditions in suitable land sale sites to require private developers to construct welfare facilities specified by the Government.
• As at 31 March 2023, SWD had over 450 welfare facilities under planning, each at different stages of development.
• Purchased premises from the private property market to meet the imminent need for welfare facilities and ensure their timely provision.  With the assistance of the Government Property Agency, SWD is currently identifying suitable premises for purchase through various channels.  Funds were earmarked to continue the process of identifying and purchasing suitable properties in 2022-23.
• The Hong Kong Housing Authority and the Hong Kong Housing Society have been invited to work with the Development Bureau to explore increasing the plot ratio of future public housing projects by setting aside about 5% of the total domestic gross floor area for the provision of social welfare facilities.  SWD is co-ordinating and monitoring this initiative with the relevant departments.