Kowloon City to develop into a 'cool neighborhood' by highlighting its culture: URA

The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) plans to redevelop Kowloon City into a "cool neighborhood" with fascinating murals and Thai culture to attract tourists.

Writing in his blog on Sunday, URA managing director Wai Chi-sing said the redevelopment of the old Kowloon City district have to combine building restoration, conservation, and revitalization.

He noted that the project would present a cultural landscape and regional appearance after integrating old and new for "Little Thailand" and aim to build a cool neighborhood in the city.

The plan included beautifying the exterior walls of eight buildings as photo spots, which will invite 45 artists from local, Thai, and foreign countries to submit design proposals to highlight Kowloon City's history and culture comprising Thai and Chaozhou characteristics in the exterior wall paintings. 

Wai said the team believes that the Kowloon City area is full of trendy shops, street food, and Thai culture and that it could gradually transform into a "stylish community." 

There are also plans to widen the pedestrian area and use beautified back alleys to connect different locations, along with holding special activities during different festivals to strengthen cultural integration.