Demolition likely for Wang Fuk Court as officials outline long-term rehousing options

Government officials said demolition is the most likely option for Wang Fuk Court, with a full reconstruction expected to take nine to 10 years, as the eighth Legislative Council held its first meeting on Wednesday to discuss long-term rehousing arrangements for affected families.

Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun, who heads the Task Force on Emergency Accommodation Arrangements, outlined the government’s proposed options for residents.

One option would see the Housing Authority purchase ownership rights, allowing owners to receive cash to buy Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) flats either within their original district or elsewhere. For those who do not wish to hold a large cash payout, a “flat-for-flat” arrangement would allow owners to exchange their units for another HOS flat of similar value.

Another proposal involves constructing new flats at Chung Nga Road West, where about 1,500 units are planned.

The first phase, providing around 900 units, is expected to be available for rehousing in the second half of 2029, while a second phase of about 600 units could be completed roughly 10 months later. The timetable is more than two years shorter than that of a typical home ownership project.

Wong said rebuilding on the original Wang Fuk Court site would take about nine to 10 years and involve complex ownership and legal issues, making it particularly challenging.

He added that the government will provide residents with timelines for each option, noting that the Housing Authority’s acquisition of ownership rights would take the least time and give owners the greatest flexibility.

For those choosing to sell their ownership and buy another flat or exchange units, Wong said the government will also provide estimated completion dates for future HOS and Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme flats.

Citing figures from the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors, Wong said the unsubsidized market price of Wang Fuk Court units is around HK$6,000 per square foot, while the subsidized value is about HK$8,000 per square foot. He stressed that the figures are for reference only and do not represent the government’s final acquisition price.

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin said the Housing Authority is considering a special sales arrangement under HOS 2025 and GSH 2025, with a portion of flats reserved for Wang Fuk Court owners.

She also said a site at Area 14 in Fanling North, originally earmarked for 1,400 HOS flats, will be converted into public rental housing to ensure waiting-list applicants are not affected.

Ho said multiple areas across Wang Fuk Court’s seven buildings suffered damage in the fire, including concrete spalling and bent steel bars. She described the buildings as having “severe internal injuries,” raising concerns about their ability to meet future structural and fire-resistance standards.

Although she said the buildings are not at immediate risk of collapse, Ho said the likelihood of demolition is high.

Wong said the government may not be able to meet every resident’s wishes, but stressed that multiple options will be offered to ensure residents have reasonable choices.