Urban Renewal
Design Ideas Competition
The District Study for Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok
油麻地及旺角地區研究
城市更新
創意設計比賽
District Study for Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok
URA commenced YMDS in 2017 with the aim to devise a district-based urban renewal plan for the study area and to explore new planning mechanisms to facilitate implementation. The study was completed in 2021. The findings and suggestions were presented by URA and the Development Bureau (DevB) to Legislative Council (LegCo) in September 2021.
Study Objectives and Contents
The Study covers Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok districts with an area of about 212 hectares, comprising more than 3,300 buildings. Through a holistic district-based approach to urban renewal, the main objective is to map out a blueprint for restructuring and regenerating the old districts to enhance land use efficiency and optimise redevelopment potential. With a view to incentivizing market participation, new urban renewal strategies involving both URA and the private sector as well as institutional and implementation mechanisms are formulated.
Master Renewal Concept Plan Options
Three sets of MRCPs, representing the “+”, “0” and “-” scenarios, are developed with different assumptions on population, development intensity and resource allocation, which to a varying extent, would meet the public aspiration for a livable and quality environment. The 3 scenarios as compared to the current Outline Zoning Plans will increase the living space for the residents, increase affordable housing supply and job opportunities, augment open space and Government, Institution or Community provision, and improve walkability and environment. The MRCP will bring a new city image to the old district of Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok.
Institutional and Implementation Strategy
The findings of the baseline review suggest that the existing urban renewal model in high density districts with serious urban decay is not sustainable nor financially viable. New planning tools have been introduced in the Study, notable ones being transfer of plot ratio (TPR) and street consolidation area (SCA), to encourage private sector participation in order to step up the urban renewal momentum. URA has forged ahead with the recommendations from the District Study for Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok (YMDS), summarised below:
Implementation of the First Nodal Development under YMDS
The first project under YMDS, Sai Yee Street/Flower Market Road was commenced in 2024. It focuses on the initial phase of the Nullah Road Urban Waterway Development Node, utilizing flexible mixed-use development. Key elements include an “Urban Waterway” and Waterway Park, enhancing the Flower Market area and transforming Mong Kok East into a vibrant commercial district.
Facilitating Private Market Participation
URA collaborates with the Government to amend Outline Zoning Plans (OZPs) and introduce planning tools for development potential in Yau Mong districts, to address urban decay. OZPs amendments allow flexible plot ratios, design flexibility, increased plot ratios for Nathan Road, and relaxed building height restrictions. Mong Kok OZP and Yau Ma Tei OZP were approved in June 2023 and July 2024 respectively. New Town Planning Board Guidelines was initiated in July 2023 for Transfer of Plot Ratio (TPR) allow development right transfers from low-potential sites to growth areas, boosting urban renewal participation.
Renewal of Public Facilities: Nano-Parks System
The YMDS’s Nano-Parks system reinvents open space through community collaboration, linking and revitalizing six small parks in Shantung Street. Supported by LCSD, distinctive district features are incorporated. The first schematic design batch was approved, with completion aimed for 2025/26, and the second batch submitted in 2023.
The Information Booklet (published in Feb 2022), summarizing the findings and recommendations of the Study have can be downloaded in the link below.
Download YMDS booklet