Project Director of the Task Force on Transitional Housing of the Housing Bureau Mr Chan Nap-ming gives a briefing on the Nam Cheng 2020, the first transitional housing project in Hong Kong adopting the modular integrated construction approach, on Feb 18, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG -  The relocation of Nam Cheong 220, the first transitional housing project in Hong Kong adopting the modular integrated construction approach, started Saturday. 

The modules will be relocated to another transitional housing project in Tai Po for reassembly and reuse, according to a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government statement. 

Located on Nam Cheong Street, Sham Shui Po, Nam Cheong 220 was the first structural steel transitional housing project in Hong Kong that had adopted the MiC approach. 

The project targeted those who had waited for public rental housing for at least three years and were inadequately housed, or others in urgent need of community support

“The project's modules are also easy to relocate and reassemble for repeated use. The MiC approach further enhanced construction efficiency, reduced construction time, and made the works safer and more environmental friendly,” the statement reads.

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Coordinated by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service and operated by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, Nam Cheong 220 was a four-storey building with 89 one to three-person units. 

The project targeted those who had waited for public rental housing for at least three years and were inadequately housed, or others in urgent need of community support. 

It provided them with a more appropriate living environment. During its operation from August 2020 to November 2022, it helped improve the living environment and quality of living of a total of 175 residents of 94 households. 

The modules, upon inspection, will be relocated to another transitional housing project operated by the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon in Wong Yue Tan, Tai Po, so that they can be reused.

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The HKSAR government has been making every effort in the past few years to promote the development of transitional housing, providing short-term housing to people in need. 

Nam Cheong 220 registered structural engineer Wilson Cheung introduces the arrangements for the relocation of the project's modular integrated construction (MiC) modules on Feb 18, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

As at end-January 2023, the government has identified land for providing over 20,000 transitional housing units, of which more than 6,900 have been completed. About 9,500 units are expected to be completed by end-2023.