Community Care

With the support of the Housing Bureau, the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon (“Lok Sin Tong”) , and Wheelock Properties Limited ("Wheelock Properties"), the transitional housing project "Lok Sin Village" in Wong Yue Village, Tai Po was finalised in 2024, with residents beginning to move in from April. To mark the occasion, a special event titled "Lok Sin Village Transitional Housing Happy Mid-Autumn Festival" was held on 7 September 2024 to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with the new residents.

The event was graced by the presence of Ms. Winnie Ho, JP, Secretary for Housing, and Mr. Victor Tai, JP, Under Secretary for Housing. Other distinguished guests included Mr. Michael Mok, Chairman of the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon ; Mr. Lee Shing-kan ,MH, former Chairman of the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon; Mr. Leung Chi-kin, Chairman of Wheelock Properties; and Mr. Ricky Wong ,MH, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Wheelock Properties. The event featured various activities and interactions between the guests and residents, fostering a warm and harmonious atmosphere. In celebration of both the 75th anniversary of National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival, Executive Committee of Lok Sin Tong donated exquisite mooncakes made by Lok Sin Tong’s social enterprises. These mooncakes were distributed to every Lok Sin Village household to mark a festive and communal celebration.

Wheelock Properties has successfully developed Lok Sin Village , transforming previously unused agricultural land into a vibrant residential community. The project, which encompasses 1,236 residential units, is now the largest transitional housing initiative in the Tai Po District. This significant achievement is the result of a collaborative effort involving the Housing Bureau, Lok Sin Tong, Wheelock Properties, consulting firms, and the community. With a projected lifespan of at least 8 years, the development is set to benefit approximately 10,000 residents, offering affordable and suitable housing to those in need of public housing and currently living in inadequate conditions. The project has been welcoming residents since April, with the first phase now complete. The second phase will continue to be occupied once maintenance and environmental optimization works are finished. This initiative represents a major step forward in addressing housing needs and improving living standards for many in the community.

First Project to Reuse Existing "MiC" Components

Lok Sin Village stands out as a premier example of green building in Hong Kong. Throughout its construction, innovative techniques were employed to minimize environmental impact. Soil replacement were utilized to mitigate noise pollution from piling, while the project utilized the Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) method. Notably, it is the first prefabricated building in Hong Kong to be relocated from its original site on Nam Cheong Street, featuring a transition house model that involved disassembling and reassembling modular units. This approach not only accelerates construction but also enhances environmental sustainability.

Wheelock Properties has consistently championed sustainable development principles, and Lok Sin Village reflects this commitment. From the project's inception, ecological assessments were carried out, leading to a reduction in construction scope to protect mangroves and preserve local biodiversity. Additionally, in response to long-standing flooding issues in the area, Wheelock Properties has implemented a comprehensive rainwater drainage system, addressing the challenges of climate change and improving resilience for residents. Overall, the project embodies a forward-thinking approach to construction, combining innovation with a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being.Top of Form

Re-energize the Community 

Lok Sin Tong and Wheelock Properties are committed to fostering a “people-oriented” community with the launch of Lok Sin Village. The development offers a diverse range of unit options, catering to varying needs with units designed for 1 to 2 people, 3 to 5 people, and barrier-free accommodations. Additionally, several areas have been designated as public spaces and communal living rooms to enhance community interaction.

The community living room, thoughtfully designed and furnished by Wheelock Properties, is now open and hosting a variety of community activities. These include art workshops and health seminars aimed at fostering social connections and community engagement. By the end of the year, the space will also host employment seminars to support job seekers and facilitate their integration into the community. Further enhancing accessibility, a new minibus stop has been established at the entrance of Lok Sin Village, with the support of the Transport Department. This addition improves residents' access to transportation and strengthens connectivity with the urban area.

Mr. Leung Chi-kin, Chairman of Wheelock Properties, said in his speech: "Wheelock Properties is honored to be part of the Lok Sin Village initiative. Recognizing the critical demand for housing in Hong Kong, we are committed to leveraging our resources and collaborating with various sectors to enhance the living conditions of grassroots families. Beyond providing safe and welcoming homes, we aim to foster community spirit through activities such as painting classes and festivals, promoting a more interactive and inclusive environment."

Mr. Michael Mok, Chairman of the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon, said: "With the support by the Housing Bureau, Lok Sin Tong has since 2017 been at the forefront of addressing short-term housing needs with initiatives like Hong Kong’s first transitional housing project, “LST Housing.” We extend our gratitude to the Housing Bureau for its funding and to Wheelock Properties for their generous land donation to Lok Sin Village. Special thanks also go to our former Chairman, Lee Shing-kan, MH, for his $5 million donation towards installing air-conditioning and hot water systems, and to CLP for their $2,472,000 contribution towards unit hardware and equipment. Our commitment extends to providing residents with comprehensive programs, including medical, group activities, sports, and parent-child services. We are confident that the collective efforts of all involved will significantly enhance the residents' quality of life and overall well-being. As evidenced by the happiness survey released last year, we are optimistic about the positive impact our effort has made on resident satisfaction."

Lok Sin Village is dedicated to creating a dynamic and supportive community through a variety of monthly activities, which include seminars on phone fraud prevention, physical and mental health workshops, health check-ups, and vaccination programs. To further enhance the well-being of residents, Lok Sin Tong has also introduced several additional services. For example, to address everyday needs, automatic vending machines selling drinks and food have been installed across the estate. Additionally, a new group purchase service, in partnership with our social enterprise, has been set up to provide essential items such as rice, pasta, oil, canned goods, and other non-perishables. These supplies, along with beverages and cleaning products, are delivered directly to the development for resident distribution. The social enterprise also plans to hire Lok Sin Village residents as part-time distributors, making it easier for residents to collect their goods. Volunteer residents will support this effort by delivering items to the homes of elderly and disabled neighbors. This initiative not only improves convenience but also generates employment opportunities and strengthens community bonds through mutual support.

In addition to this transitional housing initiative, Wheelock Properties is actively involved in the Government's "Land Sharing Pilot Scheme." This includes a joint venture project in Tai Po’s Lam Tsuen North and a wholly-owned project in Lam Tsuen South. Both projects have received government approval. Together with our current transitional housing projects, these land developments will deliver a total of 19,351 residential units, benefiting over 52,680 people. Moving forward, Wheelock Properties is committed to investing further in community development. We aim to enhance grassroots living conditions through sustainable development and contribute to the overall advancement of urban areas.