The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) celebrated its 25th anniversary with the symposium,“Discuss, Build and Create Together: Building a High-Quality and Livable New Hong Kong”, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event brought together more than 400 representatives from government, the Legislative Council, the architecture, planning, engineering and surveying sectors, finance, innovation and technology, and academia to explore the future direction of urban renewal and Hong Kong’s long-term development.
The symposium examined how urban renewal can support Hong Kong’s development in alignment with the nation’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, opportunities arising from the Northern Metropolis, and emerging trends such as “AI+”. Through cross-sector collaboration and innovative renewal strategies, participants discussed ways to create a more livable, vibrant and resilient urban environment.
Speaking at the event, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn highlighted the Government’s commitment to accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis while advancing old district redevelopment and enhancing building safety. She noted that three sites in the Kwu Tung North and Fanling North New Development Areas have been reserved for the URA to consider developing replacement flats under a future “flat-for-flat” scheme. The Development Bureau and the URA are also reviewing the Authority’s financial and operating models, including the existing seven-year-old flat compensation mechanism and relocation arrangements. Concrete proposals and a public consultation are expected next year.
In his welcome remarks, Wai Chi-sing, Managing Director of the URA, said that urban renewal is a key issue for Hong Kong’s future development. He emphasized the need not only for renewal, but also for innovation in policies, systems and thinking to ensure the sustainability of urban renewal initiatives amid accelerating building ageing, rising redevelopment costs and evolving community expectations.
The programme featured keynote speeches by Professor Yeh Anthony Gar-On, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chair Professor at The University of Hong Kong, on the interaction between Hong Kong and national urban planning, and Legislative Council member Michael Tien Puk-sun on overcoming barriers to urban renewal and sharing its benefits. Three panel discussions focused on urban renewal strategies under Hong Kong 2030+, the role of AI and smart technologies in shaping future communities, and conservation-led approaches that preserve local character while revitalising ageing districts.
The event also showcased community-building ideas from young people. Winners of the “URA x PolyU Social Innovation Competition 2026” and students from five local universities participated in discussions on the vision for Hong Kong’s future livable communities, contributing fresh perspectives on sustainable urban development.
Looking ahead, the URA said it will continue working closely with the Government and stakeholders across society to turn the symposium’s ideas into action and advance urban renewal efforts, helping to build a more livable, dynamic and sustainable Hong Kong.
