The government unveiled its redevelopment plan for Choi Hung Estate. The project will span for about 15 years with residents set to move out in 2028. Completion is expected in 2049 with 1,800 new flats from the current 7,400.
The resettlement plans are laid out in a document submitted to the Wong Tai Sing District Council. The beloved public housing estate became Instagram-famous for its colourful facade.
The iconic Choi Hung Estate in Hong Kong is up for redevelopment
Home to about 17,500 residents, the Choi Hung Estate is more than six decades old. Hence, it requires maintenance that takes time according to the government. Residents in Pik Hoi House, Kam Pik House, and Tan Fung House, totalling 2,450 units, will begin moving out in 2028 and 2029. They will be relocated to the neighbouring New Mei Tung Estate.
For the first phase of the project, three blocks will undergo redevelopment alongside two empty school premises. It is expected that 3,200 units will be ready by 2025 to 2036. The second phase will have Kam Wan House, Hung Ngok House, Kam Hon House, and Pak Suet House up for redevelopment. This phase will provide 4,100 flats between 2042 to 2043.
Chiu King House, Kam Wah House, Luk Hing House, Chi Mei House, and the estate’s car park fall under the last phase. Upon completion between 2048 and 2049, there will be 1,900 flats available.
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An iconic estate that made its mark
Upon completion, Choi Hung Estate was the largest public estate of its time. It even attracted prominent visitors like former US president Richard Nixon, Princess Margaret, and Princess Alexandra. In addition, the estate also received a Silver Medal at the 1965 Hong Kong Insitute of Architects Annual Awards.
Due to its colourful exterior, the estate became a local and tourist hotspot. The building was designed by architectural firm Palmer & Turner who was also responsible for Jardine House and the original Bank of China.
A photograph of the estate by Hong Kong-based photographer, Jimmi Ho won a Sony World Photography Awards in 2016. The estate was also in several K-pop music videos like SEVENTEEN’s ‘Check In’ and LOONA’s ‘Love and Live’.
All images credit: Dan Gold/Unsplash
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Written by
Jianne Soriano
Senior Digital Writer (Growth) - Dining, Culture & Travel
An introvert at heart, Jianne has an immense passion for storytelling. After working in Tokyo, this Filipino, Hong Kong-born native is back to tell stories about her home(s). When she’s not writing, you can find her looking for the best hojicha spots, binge-watching her comfort movies, or travelling solo.
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