By Susan Gao Siqi, Jessie Pang Yu Tung and Tracy Zhang Lingyu
Despite reports a year ago that Central’s Graham Street Market had it’s last day in operation, business continues as usual in the busy streets.
But the ear-splitting sounds of construction from a site in the centre of the market indicate that the city’s redevelopment plans are in full swing.
The market has survived the Japanese Occupation of Hong Kong and rounds of urban development for the last 160 years.
However, the redevelopment plan announced in 2007 by the Urban Renewal Authority might actually be the end. “
We are afraid that Graham Street will become another Lee Tung Street, which has utterly been changed and had no relation with her history,” said the spokesperson of Central and Western Concern Group Law Ngar-ning. “We have discovered three heritage sites, which are believed to be built in late-19th century, within the Graham Street Market area, but they are not reported by the URA. They have become extremely vulnerable and may be destroyed at any time.”
Concerns have arisen not only because of the historical values of the street market, but also the survival and relocation of the vendors.
“Although URA guarantees you will be able to find all daily necessities in the new market, the price will rise and the market won’t be as comprehensive as the original one,” said a 60-year-old property agent Mr Lai. “Only 20 tenants can be relocated in the new market and the rent will be too expensive for them.”
Currently, 11 vendors will relocate into the new building after completion. But they will have to give up compensation worth tens of thousands of dollars and are required to pay rent at market prices, according to the URA spokesman.
“What I say is useless. Nobody would bother listening to poor people like us,” said Song Yin-wai, a 65-year-old stall owner. “I don’t even know whether I would be relocated or not.”
Son’s stall, named Marilyn, mainly sells small electronic gadgets and women’s bags. Some small lights are switched on all the time to attract customers.
“I have been running this stall for more than ten years. In the past, it was easier to make profits. But now, fewer people are willing to stop by because of the ongoing construction sites and road maintenance,” said Song. “Sometimes the income is not even enough to cover the rent. I have lost around $2,000 this month.”
Meanwhile, others remains positive about the redevelopment plan.
“The redevelopment plan won’t affect me as my stall is not within the redevelopment area and won’t be relocated. Actually, it will attract more people to stop by and buy desserts from me,” said Wong Tai-jie, a 70-year-old Chinese dessert stall owner.
“The development plan is good for the community since the streets will become wider, safer, tidier and more hygienic,” said Wong Tze-nin, 24, one of the construction workers. “What’s more, two new residential buildings will also be built alongside the new commercial area.”
According to the URA website, the redevelopment plans will provide 293 residential flats and 44,575 square meter commercial space. It will also include new community facilities for the public and more open space.
Over the years, the URA has also taken various measures to maintain the vibrancy of the street market, such as market promotional campaigns, installing electric meters for stall operators and redesigning safer and user-friendlier stalls, the spokesperson said.