Free Space equipment sent to light housing projects

Cheng Wong

Free Space at Kwun Tong Town Centre has been closed, with most playground equipment transferred to two light public housing projects managed by the Housing Bureau.

Urban Renewal Authority managing director Wai Chi-sing, after concerns were raised regarding resource waste following Free Space's closure just a year after opening, said the facilities were designed as temporary solutions.

"We had indicated that these facilities and their uses were intended to be short-term while transforming the final phase of Kwun Tong Town Centre," Wai said.

"The goal was to provide public access during preparation for retendering, rather than leaving the land idle."

Due to construction work at the Kwun Tong Town Centre 2.0 project, the URA closed the children's playground, basketball court and Urban Town Lab 2 in November last year.

The remaining areas of Free Space will gradually close later this year depending on construction progress.

Wai said the pedestrian walkway connecting Kwun Tong Road and Yue Man Square will remain open. Since its launch, Free Space has hosted over 50 community events, including bazaars and carnivals, attracting more than 1.5 million participants.

"These events effectively increased foot traffic, fostered local vitality and promoted the regional economy," he said.

The Yau Pok Road project in Yuen Long, which is scheduled to open at the end of next month, received two basketball hoops delivered by URA last month.

cheng.wong@singtaonewscorp.com