Improvement works for Barrier Free Access (BFA) facilities are making steady progress at properties owned and managed by The Link REIT (“The Link”). The ninth batch of properties at which improvement works are scheduled to commence in the coming six months comprises the following:
New Territories | Sun Chui Shopping Centre, Yu Chui Shopping Centre, Ching Wah Court Retail & Car Park, Cheung On Estate Retail & Car Park, Fu Tung Plaza, Tai Wo Hau Commercial Centre, On Yam Shopping Centre, Wah Lai Estate Car Park |
Kowloon | Lei Yue Mun Plaza |
Hong Kong | Hing Wah Plaza, Siu Sai Wan Plaza, Yue On Court Car Park, Ap Lei Chau Estate Retail & Car Park |
The Link’s dedication in providing a barrier-free environment for people with disabilities has been recognised by rehabilitation groups. Allen Kam-yuen Chan, Chairperson of the Rehabilitation Policy Sub-committee of the Hong Kong Federation of Handicapped Youth, appreciates The Link’s efforts, saying, “The Link has always focused on the need of the people with disabilities. Through regular meetings of its Access Advisory Group, The Link gathers the views and opinions from rehabilitation organisations in Hong Kong on the best practicable solutions for the BFA improvement works. The Link’s commitment to corporate social responsibility is evident in its efforts to enhance services for people with disabilities.”
Since the announcement of The Link’s BFA Improvement Plan in early 2011, improvement works have begun at 101 properties. Among these, 94 properties have been furnished with basic BFA facilities following the Best Practicable Principle, standards of universal design, the Buildings Department’s Design Manual: Barrier Free Access 2008 and other associated requirements. Improvement works for all properties owned and managed by The Link are expected to be completed by the end of 2016.
Appendix 1: List of Properties with Basic BFA Facilities Completed (as at 30 June 2014)
Appendix 2: List of Properties with BFA Facilities Improvement Works in Progress (as at 30 June 2014)