The So Uk Estate has played a crucial role in the development of public housing in Hong Kong since its construction in 1955. As the city evolved, the estate has become a cherished community and has been regarded as the “cradle of the current middle class”. However, as time passed, it became clear that revitalisation work is needed for the estate to remain a thriving and sustainable community.

WT (Hong Kong & Macau) provided full QS services for the estate’s revitalisation project from 2011 to 2018. It included:

  • 7 residential blocks (Blocks 1 to 6 and 14) that offer approx. 3,300 flats. Block 14 includes a 4-storey podium that features retail and social welfare facilities.
  • A single storey covered carpark integrated with refuse collection point.
  • A 7-storey Block 10 with social welfare facilities, building services rooms and refuse collection point.
  • A 2-storey estate management office block.
  • Lift towers and footbridges for connection.
  • A heritage zone with preservation and reuse of abandoned building structures.
  • Demolition of 6 residential blocks (8-12 storeys), 1 carpark (5-storey), 1 EMO (3 storeys), 1 assembly hall (single storey), 1 vocational college (2-storey), 4 electrical sub-stations (single storey), 4 pump houses and associated external structures.
  • Demolition of a school block (9-storey), a contractor workshop (single storey) and ancillary school facilities.

The redeveloped So Uk Estate boasts close connectivity, with 10 lift towers, 11 pedestrian bridges, 10 automatic elevators, and multiple covered pedestrian walkways connecting Po On Road and Cheung Fat Street. This unobstructed access provides residents with a convenient living experience.

The Housing Authority retained the original design concept while incorporating sustainable development practices to preserve the community’s unique character and increase residents’ sense of belonging. The estate’s sloping terrain and original design were taken into account, and microclimate studies were conducted when arranging the orientation of buildings to enhance aesthetics while utilising sunlight and achieving good ventilation.

Additionally, the beloved “Three Treasures of So Uk” were preserved. These include the “The Little White Shed” that used to sell kerosene, the “Swallow Pavilion” with its ceiling mural, and the golden painted portal at the entrance to the estate. These treasures serve as a reminder of the estate’s rich history and its significance to the Hong Kong society.

The revitalisation project was completed in two phases. The first phase, consisting of seven residential buildings, including Orchid, Chrysanthemum, Peony, Camphor, Willow, Cherry, and Camellia, were completed in 2016. The first part of the second phase, consisting of four residential buildings – Sword Orchid, Stonecrop, Azalea, and Begonia – was completed in 2018. Throughout the project, all residential buildings retained their original names as part of a conservation effort.

The So Uk Estate remains a cherished community and a testament to the resiliency and determination of the Hong Kong people. With its redevelopment, it is poised to remain a vibrant and sustainable community for generations to come.