‘Devoid of character’: vendors criticise plan to revamp Hong Kong flower market
‘The new redevelopment plan will turn the flower market into an area devoid of character,’ concern group member says
Some merchants and advocates have expressed opposition to a government plan to revamp a famous Hong Kong flower market, arguing the redevelopment may take away from the tourist attraction’s character.
Flower Market Concern Group and NGO Liber Research Community voiced their criticism days before the Town Planning Board is expected to conclude a two-month consultation on the overhaul of the Mong Kok market on Wednesday.
The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) plans to upgrade 31 buildings aged between 64 and 76 years, affecting about 275 households and 33 ground-floor shops at the market. The site at Sai Yee Street and Prince Edward Road West is set to become a residential and commercial complex with up to 44 storeys, providing 1,350 flats.
Enya Wong, a member of the concern group and a manager of one of the affected flower shops, said the plan failed to consider the market’s unique culture, noting that the complex could “completely destroy the hub and the spirit of the market”.
“[With the complex], the new redevelopment plan will turn the flower market into an area devoid of character,” she said, expressing hope that her shop could continue to operate on Prince Edward Road.
Authorities earlier said they expected the redevelopment would affect less than 20 per cent of florists in the area.
Concern group member and retiree Ada Lee, 60, said the redevelopment plan was “incomplete” as it overlooked a few decade-old buildings along Flower Market Road.
