As society develops rapidly, urban redevelopment becomes inevitable. In Hong Kong, this has led to the demolition of many old buildings and the destruction of lots of memories. While these projects have a series of benefits, they also bring potential issues to Hongkongers. In this essay, I would like to list the pros and cons of urban redevelopment.

There are several key benefits to demolishing old buildings. The main advantage is to create more land for residential housing, which helps reduce the average waiting time for public rental housing. In the past, public housing estates were generally low. However, as the population of Hong Kong grows significantly over time, the existing public housing supply is no longer adequate for today’s residents’ demand. As a result, the average waiting time for public rental housing has continued to rise. Therefore, the government has decided to demolish old buildings and construct more public rental units to mitigate housing pressure across Hong Kong. Take Wah Fu Estate as an example, the government has claimed that after the reconstruction, Wah Fu Estate will provide 12,200 housing units, 3,000 more than before.

Another benefit of urban redevelopment is the improvement of living environments and infrastructure in the old urban districts. Many public housing estates in Hong Kong are old, resulting in poor infrastructure. Residents often have to walk long distances to access bus stops or MTR stations. However, after reconstruction, there will be a significant improvement, including more plantings, public open space, community facilities, and transportation options. For example, after the redevelopment project of Lower Ngau Tau Kok Estate, both commercial and recreational land use were expanded. Additionally, the establishment of the East Kowloon Cultural Centre near the site of the old buildings provided residents with more places to relax and spend their leisure time.

While the benefits are noteworthy, the drawbacks cannot be ignored.

One major drawback of urban redevelopment is the destruction of the bonding between the city and its inhabitants. Many people have lived in these old buildings since childhood and have developed a strong connection to their neighbourhoods. They often purchase daily necessities from local shops beneath the estates, fostering a sense of community. However, as a result of urban redevelopment projects, many of these shops have been forced to close, severing these connections. For instance, Hoover Cake Shop is a traditional western bakery which opened in the 1970s. Famous for its egg tart, Donald Chow is one of its loyal customers. Unfortunately, due to the redevelopment of old areas in Kowloon City, the shop was closed on October 1, 2022. The closure of Hoover Cake Shop devastated a lot of local residents, leaving them feeling powerless in the face of the closure of traditional shops and sorrowful over the loss of memories.

In addition, urban redevelopment leads to the loss of memories associated with the city and neighborhoods. Like aforesaid, many residents have lived in these estates since childhood. They have cherished memories of playing with friends and dining at local fast-food shops… These old buildings are not just structures; they embody the memories of the community among the residents. For example, the rainbow-coloured walls of Choi Hung Estate are a beloved symbol for many Hongkongers. However, after the reconstruction, it remains uncertain whether these colourful walls will be preserved. The shops in Choi Hung Estate will close, and with them, the memories of local residents will be buried.

In conclusion, there are obviously both benefits and drawbacks of urban redevelopment. While it creates more land for housing and improves living qualities, it also destroys the memories and the bonding of the locals. This raises a crucial question: is it necessary to sacrifice community heritage for urban development?