Ning Hanhao: The Hong Kong Island Yacht Project's land lease specifies facility requirements; the consortium cannot just "walk away" after selling the building.

The Development Bureau proposed a “district” approach, handing it over to the market to build and operate new yacht berths at the “expanded portion of the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter,” to promote yacht tourism. Development Bureau Secretary for the Home Affairs Ning Hanhao said the project includes a residential development with 250 units, hoping to enhance the return on investment and attractiveness. She stressed that the land lease will set out the requirements for yacht facilities and onshore facilities. If the operating consortium cannot deliver on time, they also cannot easily sell the flats, ensuring the consortium completes the entire district facilities and does not “run away” after selling the flats.

The Development Bureau plans to put the yacht tourism project at Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter out to tender in the first half of next year. When Ning Hanhao was interviewed, she said they were still studying the tendering model, but it would likely be simpler. Even if it goes to the highest bidder, they would consider requiring the bidding companies to have experience in operating holiday resorts or recreational destinations.

Suggested water bodies for developing yacht facilities are located opposite the Fabrique on the Ocean Park Hotel. Last year, when super typhoon “Hagibis” struck Hong Kong, huge waves entered the hotel lobby and smashed the glass doors. Ning Hanhao revealed that the government will apply to the Legislative Council for the expansion of the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter. The relevant public works projects include building additional breakwaters. She said she was confident they would make the site’s wave-resistance capacity much higher than at present.

Enhanced version of “tender ready” to be announced next month

In addition, Ning Hanhao said she hoped to propose details for the enhanced version of “tender ready” next month, to discuss with stakeholders and the panel on relevant matters at the Legislative Council. The goal is to officially roll it out later this year. If a building repair order has already expired, they have already asked the Buildings Department to make allowance for owners’ corporations not to have started work, as far as possible avoiding催促, to wait for the enhanced version of “tender ready” to be issued.

She said that once there is an individual building with immediate danger—if the building works are not triggered and the external walls start peeling—the Buildings Department will find ways to help owners deal with the issue first. The enhanced version of “tender ready” includes drawing up a more stringent list of pre-screened consultants and contractors, with evaluation and tendering handled by the Urban Renewal Authority. She also said that it seems society is also looking forward to the proposal, and they are working closely with the Urban Renewal Authority to finalize the details.