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New Pilot Scheme Boosts Flexibility for Commercial Spaces, Eases Approval Processes to Stimulate Hong Kong's Economy

HK

New Pilot Scheme Boosts Flexibility for Commercial Spaces, Eases Approval Processes to Stimulate Hong Kong's Economy
HK

HK

New Pilot Scheme Boosts Flexibility for Commercial Spaces, Eases Approval Processes to Stimulate Hong Kong's Economy

2025-04-11 18:45 Last Updated At:18:58

Streamlining procedures to encourage effective use of public spaces in commercial developments

The Development Bureau today (April 11) announced the launch of a two-year pilot scheme to relax the restrictions under land leases on indoor and outdoor public spaces of shopping malls or other commercial developments and to streamline the relevant approval procedures. This initiative aims to encourage the business sector to make more flexible and better use of these spaces for hosting various activities and displays/exhibitions which attract visitors, thereby enhancing the vibrancy of the market and stimulating economic development.

The Lands Department will implement several new measures under the pilot scheme, including:

(i) Streamlining the application procedure for waivers: The waivers, once approved, will remain valid for one year, thus allowing "one application for multiple uses" within the validity period. This means that within a year, events (regardless of their nature or content) can be hosted in the same location without a need for separate applications for each event.

(ii) Adopting a simplified and concessionary fee arrangement: A concessionary fixed fee of about $17,000 will be charged for each application, which includes the administrative fee and waiver fee for the first month. If the activity is to be held in other months within the year, an additional HK$5,000 will be charged per month. Compared to the current practice where each event requires an individual application and incurs a fee of HK$60,000 or more, the fee has been significantly reduced. The fixed fee also obviates the need for case-by-case fee assessment, offering greater transparency and certainty. Non-commercial activities will continue to be exempt from application fees.

(iii) Relaxation of area restriction: The permissible area for the use of "Public Open Spaces in Private Development" for commercial activities has been doubled from the original 10 per cent to 20 per cent of the open space, provided that the activities do not affect pedestrian access or safety. Activities that are organised or co-organised by the Government with commercial elements will be considered as non-commercial activities and will not be subject to this restriction.

(iv) Streamlining the consultation process: Through streamlined arrangement, the processing time for application approvals will be reduced from about two to three months in the past to about one month. For activities planned for the upcoming Easter holiday and the Labour Day Golden Week, the Lands Department will expedite processing of applications.

A spokesperson from the Development Bureau said, "Through the pilot scheme, we aim to remove barriers and restrictions, enabling various sectors to make full use of indoor and outdoor spaces in shopping malls or other commercial developments to host a wide range of activities. This will enhance visitor experience, attract patronage, boost consumption, and inject more vitality into Hong Kong's economy."

Details of the scheme have been uploaded to the website of the Lands Department (www.landsd.gov.hk/doc/en/practice-note/info-notes/Information_Note-Streamlining_Arrangements(POSPD).pdf).

HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) co-hosted the Hong Kong Night on April 30 (Udine time), which was organised by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, and the Hong Kong Film Development Council at the 27th Far East Film Festival (FEFF) in Udine, Italy from April 24 to May 2.

Speaking at the Hong Kong Night, the Deputy Representative of the HKETO, Brussels, Miss Fiona Li remarked that, "For decades, Hong Kong has stood as a vibrant global film hub. From adrenaline-pumping action thrillers, gripping crime dramas and kung-fu epics, to laugh-out-loud comedies and deeply moving romances, our films reflect the artistic spirit, unmatched creativity, and distinctive character of our city. Our filmmakers have not only entertained but also influenced cinema around the world."

She concluded her speech by inviting audiences to visit Hong Kong in person to stroll through the iconic filming locations, dive into its vibrant stores and experience first-hand Hong Kong's dynamic energy and cinematic soul.

The FEFF is one of the largest film festivals in Europe, showcasing the latest productions from Asia and receiving significant national and international interest from the film industry, cultural sector and media. At this year's FEFF, international audiences in Italy are being treated to a special selection of films titled "Making Waves - Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema" ("Making Waves"), which showcased films from both the established and the new and emerging talents. The "Making Waves" featured ten new and reprospective films, including restored classics from Hong Kong during the festival.

HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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