The then Chief Executive Mr. Chun-ying Leung announced in Policy Address 2013 to make flexible use of the Lotteries Fund as well as to optimize the use of land owned by NGOs, such that NGOs can provide diversified subvented or self-financed services through expansion or redevelopment of sites. Throughout the re-planning or re-development process, the Government will provide necessary assistance to NGOs.

NGOs participating in the Special Scheme on Privately Owned Sites for Welfare Uses” will have to expand or redevelop their owned sites in-situ in order to provide additional services as requested by the Government, which include 3 types of elderly services and 8 types of rehabilitation services with a current or foreseeable heightening demand.

In our 2013 Annual General Meeting, HKSR proposed to participate in this scheme and was given the green light, and an application was subsequently submitted to the Government in November of the same year. Up till today we have had several rounds of meeting with the Labour and Welfare Bureau as well as the Social Welfare Department, and it is very promising that we shall implement the Scheme. At present we shall apply to conduct a feasibility study for the project.

On the 11,000-square metre site, we will build a new Complex with residential, day care and community services, and establish a centre of excellence for active ageing and holistic rehabilitation. Underpinned by the value of personalised rehabilitation and care, by using new technologies, the new Complex will provide a continuum of rehabilitation and care service across the user journey, empowering persons with disabilities and health challenges to achieve maximum functioning and quality of life with dignity and enhanced choices.