Media

HKU Department of Real Estate and Construction study reveals
generally long delays in Comprehensive Development Area projects

08 Jan 2016

A study by the Department of Real Estates and Construction at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) revealed that in the 25 years between 1990 and 2014, only about 45% of the proposed residential projects within Comprehensive Development Area (CDA) zones actually produced built units. Delays in the development process of CDA projects have withheld from the market about half of the private residential units originally planned.

The two-year study was funded by a Public Policy Research Grant of the Central Policy Unit.

In the study, the research team led by Professor Lawrence Lai identified 355 projects under Comprehensive Development Area (CDA) zoning from January 1, 1990 to October 31, 2014. Among them 146 were designated partly or wholly for private residential development. The rest were for commercial or other uses including open storages. Research findings revealed apparent long delays in general in the development process of the projects. At the extreme the planning application process has lasted 23 years without any project materializing.

In view of the scarcity of land resources, the situation has been far from satisfactory. The research team is also of the view that some undeveloped non-residential sites may have the potential for change to residential use. These lands, together with the undeveloped residential sites, could have the potential to provide several hundred thousands private housing units. 

Professor Lai and research team will hold a press conference on January 12 (Tuesday) to announce the research findings and recommendations. Details are as follows:

Date: January 12, 2016 (Tuesday)
Time: 11am
Venue: Room 531, 5/F., Knowles Building, HKU (Department of Real Estate and Construction)

For media enquiries, please contact the Communications and Public Affairs Office, HKU:
Ms Trinni Choy, Assistant Director (Media), tel: 2859 2606 / email: pychoy@hku.hk; or
Ms Melanie Wan, Senior Manager (Media), tel: 2859 2600 / email: melwkwan@hku.hk.