Renovated Mong Kok Market to temporarily house district health center: URA

The renovated Mong Kok Market Complex will serve as an interim location for a District Health Centre (DHC) of Yau Tsim Mong District while a permanent site will be identified within the scope of the government’s district study for Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok, according to Wai Chi-sing, managing director of the Urban Renewal Authority (URA).

The study, launched in 2017, covers covers approximately 212 hectares in Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok, encompassing more than 3,300 buildings.

In a Sunday blog post, Wai said the four-year renovation of the former Mong Kok Market recently obtained an occupation permit, with interior finishing work now underway.

Once completed, the complex will be handed over to the Health Bureau and operators to prepare for the DHC’s launch.

The move aligns with the government’s latest budget proposal, which aims to upgrade the Yau Tsim Mong District Health Centre Express to a full-fledged DHC this year to strengthen community healthcare services.

The three-story market building, which opened in 1977, had been vacant for over a decade before the URA took over in 2020.

An inspection revealed structural deterioration, including water leaks, concrete spalling, and exposed rusted steel bars, as well as insufficient fire safety and accessibility features.

Wai said the URA team focused on three key improvements: enhancing safety, upgrading fire and building systems, and redesigning the facade and layout, during renovations.

The team also worked closely with the Health Bureau to adapt the building for its new role as a modern healthcare center, Wai added.

To improve pedestrian conditions, the team recessed the health center’s glass facade by one meter along Argyle Street, creating extra space for bus commuters to queue or shelter from rain.

Wai said the renovation project has received both the occupation permit and fire safety certification and final interior work will ensure the facility meets operational needs for the next decade.

Meanwhile, the URA’s Sai Yee Street / Flower Market Road Development Scheme will include a multi-purpose complex, which will become the permanent home for the DHC once completed.

(Ayra Wang)