The minutes were confirmed on 2 March 2018 without amendment.

Minutes of the First Meeting of the District Facilities Management Committee under the District Council in 2018

Date: 5 January 2018 (Friday)

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 1:50 p.m.

Venue: Conference Room, Council, 13/F., Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long

Present Time of Arrival Time of Withdrawal Chairman: Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Vice-chairman: Mr TANG Cheuk-yin (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Members: Mr CHAM Ka-hung, Daniel, (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) BBS, MH, JP Ms CHAN Mei-lin (Beginning of the meeting) (12:35 p.m.) Mr CHAN Sze-ching (10:15 a.m.) (10:30 a.m.) Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam (Beginning of the meeting) (11:00 a.m.) Mr CHING Chan-ming (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Ms CHIU Sau-han, MH (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr CHOW Wing-kan (Beginning of the meeting) (1:00 p.m.) Mr KWOK Hing-ping (10:25 a.m.) (End of the meeting) Ms LAU Kwai-yung (Beginning of the meeting) (1:00 p.m.) Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen (Beginning of the meeting) (11:50 a.m.) Mr LEUNG Ming-kin (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) The Hon LUK Chung-hung (10:25 a.m.) (11:45 a.m.) Ms MA Shuk-yin (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr MAK Ip-sing (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr MAN Ping-nam, MH (Beginning of the meeting) (12:40 p.m.) Mr SHUM Ho-kit (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr SIU Long-ming (Beginning of the meeting) (1:00 p.m.) Mr TANG Cheuk-him (10:30 a.m.) (End of the meeting) Mr TANG Hing-ip, BBS (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr TANG Ka-leung (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr TANG Sui-man (Beginning of the meeting) (12:40 p.m.) Mr TANG Yung-yiu, Ronnie (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr WONG Cheuk-kin (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Ms WONG Wai-ling (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr WONG Wai-shun, MH (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr YIU Kwok-wai (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting)

1 Mr YOUNG Ka-on (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Ms YUEN Man-yee (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting)

Secretary: Ms WONG Man-ting, Mandy Executive Officer I (District Council), Yuen Long District Office Assistant Secretary: Ms CHUNG Sin-Kwan, Polly Executive Officer (District Council)4, Yuen Long District Office

In attendance Mr YUEN Ka-lok, Enoch, JP District Officer (Yuen Long) Mr NG Lak-sun, Nixon Assistant District Officer (Yuen Long) 1 Mr TSANG Tak-chung Senior Inspector of Works(1), Yuen Long District Office Mr CHAN Sai-hung Senior Inspector of Works(2), Yuen Long District Office Mr HUI Wai-ming, Kenneth Liaison Officer-in-charge (R5), Yuen Long District Office Ms LEUNG So-ping, Selina Senior Executive Officer (Planning)1, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms LUNG Lai-seung, Wendy District Leisure Manager (Yuen Long), Leisure and Cultural Services Department Mr WONG Shu-yan, Francis Chief Leisure Manager (New Territories North), Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms KWAN Yuen-mei, Rica Senior Librarian (Yuen Long), Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms WONG Fan-ni, Jasmine Senior Manager (New Territories West) Promotion, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms LI Yee-wa, Cathy Senior Estate Surveyor/West, District Lands Office, Yuen Long

Item 2 Ms HUI Ka-wai, Minerva Architect (Works)5, Home Affairs Department

Item 4 Mr HO Kwai-hung, Barry Senior Executive Officer (District Management), Yuen Long District Office Ms AU Hing-tsz, Berry Executive Officer (Community Affairs), Yuen Long District Office Ms WONG Suk-fun, Josephine Housing Manager/YLG6, Housing Department

2 Item 7(2)(3) Ms YIP Pui-yi, Alice Senior Estate Surveyor/East, (District Lands Office, Yuen Long), Lands Department

Absent Mr KWOK Keung, MH (Absent due to other commitments) Mr LAI Wai-hung (Absent due to other commitments) The Hon LEUNG Che-cheung, SBS, MH, JP Mr LUI Kin, MH (Absent due to other commitments) Mr MAN Kwong-ming (Absent due to other commitments) Mr TSANG Shu-wo (Absent due to other commitments)

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Opening Remarks The Chairman welcomed Members and government department representatives, in particular the newly appointed District Officer (Yuen Long), Mr Enoch YUEN, JP, to the meeting of the District Facilities Management Committee (“DFMC”) under the Yuen Long District Council (“YLDC”). He also welcomed students from Kwong Ming School to observe the meeting to enhance their understanding of the District Council (“DC”) and DC Members’ work through this opportunity.

2. Mr KWOK Keung, MH, Mr LAI Wai-hung, Mr LUI Kin, MH, Mr MAN Kwong-ming and Mr TSANG Shu-wo were absent due to other commitments.

Item 1: Confirmation of the minutes of the sixth meeting in 2017 3. The Chairman concluded that Members unanimously confirmed the above minutes.

Item 2: Progress report on District Minor Works (“DMW”) Programme (projects proposed by District Council Members) (DFMC Paper No. 1/2018) 4. The Chairman welcomed the following persons to the meeting, in addition to the regular department representatives:

Senior Executive Officer (Planning)1, Ms Selina LEUNG Leisure and Cultural Services Department Architect (Works)5, Home Affairs Department Ms Minerva HUI

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5. The views and responses on the following projects by Members and relevant department representatives were summarised as follows:

(1) “Construction of a sitting-out area adjoining Pai Lau, Pat Heung Road” (YL-DMW143) - Ms Minerva HUI reported that the project was expected to complete in early 2018.

(2) “Construction of a Children's Playground at Shek Wu Wai, Yuen Long” (YL-DMW169) - Ms Minerva HUI reported that the project was expected to complete in mid-2018.

(3) “Construction of Sitting-out Area at Shui Tau Road, ” (YL-DMW199) - Ms Selina LEUNG reported that the tender documents were scheduled for issue in January 2018.

(4) “Construction of Sitting-out Area at Shan Ha Tsuen” (YL-DMW209) - Members enquired about the project implementation timetable, and hoped the works could be carried out expeditiously; and - Ms Selina LEUNG acknowledged Members’ concerns about the project, and hoped the tendering could be brought forward to end-2018.

(5) “Construction of covered walkways in District (Phase I)” (YL-DMW212 – YL-DMW213) - An enquiry was made about the progress of the works; - Members requested that the design proposal for YL-DMW213 should be submitted for Members’ consideration prior to tendering; and - Ms Minerva HUI responded that YL-DMW213 was expected to be put out to tender in mid-2018 and the works were expected to commence in end-2018. Members would be updated at the next meeting on the latest estimated costs and the design proposal. The works for YL-DMW212 were expected to start in 2019-20.

(6) “Construction of a children’s playground and a leisure park at Mai Po Village, ”

4 - Members asked whether the District Lands Office (“DLO”) had agreed on the demolition of the vacant school premises located within the proposed area of the works; - It was hoped that government departments would increase transparency on matters relating to the demolition of the school premises and the designation of the site for other uses, and update local residents on the situation; and - Ms Selina LEUNG responded that the Planning Department (“PlanD”) had proposed reserving the site for “Government, Institution or Community” (GIC) uses in the long run. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (“LCSD”) would follow up on the matter again after the PlanD had reviewed the development of the site.

(7) “Environmental improvement works for the Tat Tak Communal Hall Forecourt” - Members said that the Antiquities and Monuments Office (“AMO”) would soon complete the restoration works for Tat Tak Communal Hall. As the proposed cultural square took time to complete, some simple beautification works were suggested for the Tat Tak Communal Hall Forecourt, such as laying turf and growing plants on the open space on both sides, so as to integrate the communal hall with the forecourt surroundings. It was hoped that the works could be carried out as soon as possible; and - Ms Selina LEUNG responded that she would work with relevant departments to study the feasibility of carrying out simple landscaping works at the site.

(8) “Provision of covered walkways from Yuen Long South to ” - Members urged for expeditious confirmation of the works schedule.

(9) “Construction of a children’s playground next to Ha Tsuen Soccer Pitch” - Members said the area of the proposed works was overgrown with weeds and trees, and hoped that the government department concerned would respond how the situation would be dealt with; and - Ms Cathy LI responded that the problem would be followed up after the meeting.

5 (10) “Addition of a leisure park at Shan Road (near the pavilion)” - Members said that the works occupied a large area but building a leisure park there was appropriate and feasible because it was on a flat land although there was also a slope. Trees there could be removed. They hoped that the government department would actively consider and study the feasibility of the works; - A large number of visitors would appreciate red leaves in Tai Tong every year, causing frequent traffic congestion there. It was hoped that a leisure park could be built as soon as possible to divert visitor flows and for them to take a rest, because the number of visitors was expected to increase, as suggested by the Red Leaf Index of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (“AFCD”). It was hoped that the works could be confirmed expeditiously; - It was proposed that the works be carried out in stages with easier parts to go first. It was also proposed that the first stage could be carried out on flatter areas near the bottom of the hill with technical difficulties to be dealt with step-by-step, in order to expedite the works; and - Ms Selina LEUNG acknowledged the need for additional leisure facilities in the area. The size of the site proposed for the works was rather large on a slope. Given the resource allocation restrictions for DMW projects, the LCSD would discuss with the proponent the possibility of adjusting the area and location of the works before conducting further study.

(11) “Construction of a sitting-out area and fitness facilities near the entrance of Tin Wah Estate” - An enquiry was made about the definition of “slope” in the paper. It was proposed that simple facilities be built to make good use of the place, in spite of its limited area; - Members also enquired about the latest progress of LCSD’s and HAD’s follow-up actions on the provision of benches or simple leisure facilities, and considered it feasible to build simple leisure facilities there; and - Ms Selina LEUNG responded that more attention would be paid to the choice of words in the paper. She also pointed out that it was not suitable to provide a sitting-out area or additional fitness facilities there, not only because of its small size, but also because the LCSD had to comply with safety clearance for the construction of fitness and leisure facilities. Therefore, the LCSD would discuss with the Works Section of the Yuen Long District Office (“YLDO”) on the

6 provision of benches and other simple facilities to improve the environment.

(12) “Provision of a rain shelter at Tai Tong Shan Road, Yuen Long” - Members said that it might not be a good idea to build a rain shelter with steel materials. A rain shelter made of steel would be susceptible to rusting when it was exposed to rain, and it did not fit in with the scenic country park.

(13) “The leisure park at the junction of Fung Cheung Road and Kong Yau Road” - Members expressed dissatisfaction that the LCSD regarded the location as undesirable for the works citing its small size and the underground drainage facilities there. They said the works should be carried out as soon as possible; and - Ms Selina LEUNG suggested simple works, such as resurfacing of roads and provision of benches, be carried out because of site constraints. The LCSD would discuss the matter with the Works Section of the YLDO and follow up with the proponent.

6. Members hoped that DMW funding for Yuen Long District would be increased with resources properly allocated to balance the needs of various parties.

7. The Chairman said that DMW provision of some $20 million to Yuen Long District this year would be earmarked to minor works projects under the Works Section of the YLDO, day-to-day repair and replacement works for leisure and sports facilities in the district by the LCSD, and project items by relevant departments. The costs would be higher because of stringent specifications imposed on the works by the Government. He hoped that Members would learn about the expenditure position of the allocation for DMW projects in the district.

8. The Chairman concluded that Members noted the above paper.

Item 3: Progress report on Minor Environmental Improvement Programme in 2017/18 (DFMC Paper No. 2/2018) 9. Mr CHAN Sai-hung briefly introduced the paper.

10. The views and responses on the relevant projects by Members and relevant department representatives were summarised as follows:

7 (1) Construction of a rain shelter near the lamp post no. V5746 at Fuk Hi Street, Heung (YL-DMW274) - An enquiry was made about the works progress; and - Mr CHAN Sai-hung replied that the works would commence upon delivery of the materials ordered.

(2) Construction of benches near the lamp post no. BD0379, at Nam Sang Wai, (YL-DMW276) - Members suggested providing additional benches in Nam Sang Wai; and - Some Members expressed concern over the necessity of additional facilities in Nam Sang Wai as they might be excessive and spoil the scenic beauty of the place. Therefore, it was necessary to carefully consider the suggestion and collect a wider spectrum of views.

11. The Chairman concluded that Members noted the above paper and hoped relevant departments would respect and listen to the views of the respective DC Members and stakeholders in planning the works.

Item 4: Utilisation rate of community centres/community halls in Yuen Long District (DFMC Paper No. 3/2018) 12. The Chairman welcomed the following persons to the meeting:

Yuen Long District Office Senior Executive Officer (District Management) Mr Barry HO Executive Officer (Community Affairs) Ms AU Hing-tsz, Berry

Housing Department Housing Manager/YLG6 Ms Josephine WONG

13. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) Members suggested improving the access linking the MTR station and Light Rail station with Yuen Long Town East Community Hall. As there was a lack of clear pedestrian signs on the part of barrier-free access located inside the shopping mall, they hoped the YLDO and relevant departments could continue to follow up on the matter and requested the developer to improve the situation. By enhancing accessibility, the utilisation rate of the community hall would improve;

8 (2) Members appreciated YLDO’s active follow-up approach in handling the problems with the audio facilities at the community hall; and

(3) Given the low utilisation rate of the conference room at Yuen Long Town East Community Hall, Members asked about ways to improve the utilisation rate and capacity of the conference room.

14. Mr Barry HO responded that the YLDO had followed up on the matter with the developer, and the latter agreed to provide pedestrian signs to Yuen Long Town East Community Hall in the electronic directory system and at elevators inside the mall. The YLDO would again convey Members’ views to the developer and continue to follow up on the matter. He also pointed out that the utilisation rate of the conference room at Yuen Long Town East Community Hall had been on the rise since its opening, and expected the trend to continue into the future. The conference room could accommodate 30 people.

(Post-meeting notes: On 8 January 2018, the YLDO wrote to request the property management company to provide in the shopping mall pedestrian signs leading to Yuen Long Town East Community Hall. The management company replied on 29 January 2018 that pedestrian signs had been provided inside and outside the elevators and at the public transport interchange. The property management company’s reply was attached at Annex 1.)

15. The Chairman concluded that Members noted the above paper.

Item 5: Latest proposed facilities for the redevelopment of Yuen Long Stadium (DFMC Paper No. 4/2018) 16. Ms Selina LEUNG briefly introduced the paper.

17. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) The LCSD did not accept Members’ views on the proposed facilities for the redevelopment of Yuen Long Stadium. According to LSCD’s proposal, facilities in Yuen Long Stadium would be “renovated” and there would be no redevelopment. Local residents had longed for redevelopment of Yuen Long Stadium, and Members were delighted to see an upgrade of facilities in the district. They said the redevelopment project must live up to public’s expectation and proper use of resources must be ensured;

9 (2) Demand for sports facilities in Yuen Long had been on the rise amid a rapidly growing population in the district and the imminent completion of the New Development Area (“NDA”). Members hoped that Yuen Long Stadium would become a local landmark meeting the standards required for hosting international events. With numerous mega events and activities such as Tin Hau Festival and athletic meets of schools held in Yuen Long District every year, Members hoped the design of the stadium would cater for the needs of both international events and local activities;

(3) A number of Members expressed dissatisfaction that no shelter would be provided for the seats in the east spectator stand of Yuen Long Stadium, which was a highlighted feature of the redevelopment project. As the east spectator stand was constructed earlier than the west spectator stand, Members opined that priority should be given to the oldest facilities. LCSD’s proposal was called unreasonable of reprovisioning the west spectator stand while only refurbishing the east spectator stand. An explanation was demanded for why no shelter would be built for the east spectator stand;

(4) Members pointed out that audience would not choose to sit in the unsheltered east spectator stand where only the seats were replaced, in order to avoid exposure to the weather. This would mean a waste of resources and arouse public resentment;

(5) Members did not accept the LCSD’s explanation that technical constraints had failed the provision of a shelter for the east spectator stand. They reiterated the east spectator stand needed a shelter and the LCSD should find solutions;

(6) They asked about the possibility of expanding the boundary of the west spectator stand by including the public car park facing to provide additional sheltered seats, while converting the east spectator stand into a car park;

(7) Members were concerned that extending the southern boundary of Yuen Long Stadium towards Yuen Long Swimming Pool by 10 metres might narrow the public passageway between the stadium and the swimming pool. They hoped the upgraded public passageway could become a landmark square. As passageways would be closed during the works, it

10 was suggested that the LCSD make arrangements for access to the swimming pool and queuing of swimmers;

(8) Members enquired whether the naming of Yuen Long Stadium would have any implications for the fees and hiring of the stadium;

(9) Members enquired about the facilities in staff common rooms, whether the check-in counter area would be equipped with air-conditioning facilities and whether a fixed area would be used for storing large-sized sports equipment. They also enquired whether the redeveloped stadium would incorporate any high-tech elements or designs for users’ convenience, called for an upgrade of washrooms and showering facilities in the stadium and suggested provision of starting blocks for runners. They hoped the LCSD would organise mega events at the redeveloped Yuen Long Stadium, such as equestrian performances, large-scale “Poon Choi” feasts, etc., and consider installing a canopy at the stadium to shield spectators from sun and rain, if a shelter for the east spectator stand became unlikely;

(10) Members enquired whether the car park at the stadium could be converted into a multi-storey one and whether the number of parking lots would be increased as part of the redevelopment to address insufficient parking spaces in the district. Member also hoped the LCSD would pay attention to the design of parking lots in the redevelopment as tourist coaches parked in the car park outside Yuen Long Stadium would obstruct emergency access at the Stadium;

(11) It was suggested the “first division football matches” as mentioned in the paper should be amended. Members opined that the purpose of redeveloping the stadium should be meeting the standards of hosting professional leagues;

(12) Members suggested shortening the distance between spectator stands and the pitch while cancelling unnecessary buffer zones, in order to make the games more entertaining. They also pointed out that without drainage facilities under the turf pitch in the stadium, flooding occurred whenever it rained. Therefore, it was enquired whether the redevelopment could include resurfacing of the turf pitch and improvement of the drainage facilities. They also suggested the football pitch should be enlarged, and that materials for the football pitch be selected carefully in order to meet international standards;

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(13) Members suggested that hiring out of part of the stadium to non-profit-making organisations in the district to host sports activities would be conducive to sports development in the district;

(14) Members said building a roof at the stadium could help alleviate the light nuisance to nearby residents, while hoping more attention could be paid to the lighting design of the venue so that sports events could be held at night without affecting residents in the neighbourhood;

(15) Members hoped the time spent on the redevelopment could be shortened. An enquiry was made about the temporary arrangements by the LCSD during the period of redevelopment;

(16) Members suggested representatives of the LCSD and Architectural Services Department (“ArchSD”) attend the next meeting to give an account of the works in the redevelopment of Yuen Long Stadium as well as the technical feasibility with the help of computer-simulated images, in order to facilitate Members’ discussion after they had got a better picture of the exterior design of facilities after completion; and

(17) Members said that the stadium redevelopment should not go ahead in haste, and that the LCSD should conduct further studies and take into account Members’ views with a focus on whether a shelter should be provided for the east spectator stand. Discussion would be held again when a better plan came out.

Ms Selina LEUNG gave a consolidated reply as follows:

(1) The LCSD and ArchSD had conducted a review on the proposed shelter at the east spectator stand and pointed out it would require erection of foundation facilities. It was not cost effective as a sheltered east spectator stand could not provide a large number of seats because of site constraints;

(2) Redevelopment of Yuen Long Stadium was a large-scale project, and a redevelopment project which was not only about refurbishing existing facilities there. Under the proposal, the entire west spectator stand would be demolished and reprovisioned with the number of covered seats to be increased from 2 046 to 4 000. There would also be new facilities meeting requirements of hosting international-level matches,

12 such as a doping control room, a commentator booth and a TV broadcast studio;

(3) The car park facing Yuen Long Park would be incorporated as part of the redevelopment. The LCSD and ArchSD would discuss again the layout of the car park, and pay more attention to its entrance. The car park would continue to be open to the public after redevelopment of the stadium;

(4) It was hoped that Members would understand that the redevelopment of Yuen Long Stadium was a redevelopment project with certain site constraints. The project was expected to commence within five years after its incorporation into the “Five-Year Plan for Sports and Recreation Facilities” in the 2017 Policy Address, which was announced in January 2017. If the DFMC gave support for the proposed facilities, the LCSD would consult the Legislative Council Panel on Home Affairs in March 2018 about the pre-construction works for the redevelopment and submit a funding proposal for pre-construction consultancy services to the Legislative Council, so that works could be carried out expeditiously;

(5) To cater for the needs of the district, the LCSD suggested increasing the number of seats in the west spectator stand to 4 000 having assessed the community’s demand for organising large-scale activities. Besides, under the proposal, the Yuen Long Stadium would offer a seating capacity of 6 900 after redevelopment to meet the requirements for hosting large-scale matches, in an effort to maximise cost efficiency;

(6) There were established guidelines on the layout of staff common rooms, such as provision of changing facilities, lockers and resting areas;

(7) The LCSD would ensure that the public passageway between Yuen Long Stadium and Yuen Long Swimming Pool would be wide enough and open to the public;

(8) During the redevelopment of the stadium, the LCSD would continue to liaise closely with local residents so that they could use other LCSD venues having regard to the nature of their activities;

(9) Fees and charges for facilities at the redeveloped Yuen Long Stadium would be set with reference to those adopted by other venues;

13 (10) The LCSD would study whether the venues were suitable for hiring out to non-profit-making sports organisations in the district; and

(11) The works projects would include resurfacing of the entire football pitch and provision of drainage facilities.

18. Having listened to Members’ views, Mr Francis WONG suggested putting on hold the discussion about LCSD’s submissions for the latest proposed facilities at the redeveloped Yuen Long Stadium and putting them to the DFMC for discussion in due course. Ms Selina LEUNG agreed, saying the LCSD respected DFMC’s views and would refer clearly Members’ views to the ArchSD for further discussion.

19. In conclusion, the Chairman urged the LCSD to listen to Members’ views on the works projects in the redevelopment of Yuen Long Stadium and to improve the plans for the proposed facilities prior to consultation with the DFMC.

Item 6: Proposals on DMW projects submitted by Members for the consideration of DFMC (DFMC Paper No. 5/2018) 20. The proponent said that an application for the provision of a standard basketball court was made because of insufficient recreational facilities for teenagers near Sha Chau Lei Tsuen, Ha Tsuen.

21. The Chairman concluded that Members noted the above paper.

Item 7: Issues raised by Members: (1) Ms CHAN Mei-lin, Mr WONG Wai-yin, Zachary, the Hon KWONG Chun-yu, Mr MAK Ip-sing and Mr TO Ka-lun requested that the acquisition and withdrawal arrangements of library materials be improved (DFMC Paper No. 6/2018) 22. Members said that LCSD libraries procured and disposed of books every year, so the books to be disposed of should be donated to charitable organisations and schools or made available to members of the public to ensure proper use of resources.

23. Ms Rica KWAN said that the LCSD had finished a trial scheme in 2017 where more than 400 books had been donated to more than 20 community libraries and schools. The LCSD would continue to study and follow up on the practice of withdrawing library materials.

14 24. The Chairman concluded that Members noted the above paper, and encouraged organisations interested in the books to contact the LCSD accordingly.

(2) Mr WONG Wai-shun, MH and Mr WONG Cheuk-kin requested that the arrangement for converting the football pitch at Yau Shin Street into a temporary carpark be put on hold and the public be consulted afresh on its development (3) Mr SHUM Ho-kit, Mr WONG Wai-shun, MH and Mr WONG Cheuk-kin requested the construction of recreational and transport ancillary facilities at the football pitch at Yau Shin Street to balance residents’ needs in life (DFMC Paper Nos. 7 and 8/2018) 25. The Chairman welcomed the following person to the meeting, in addition to the regular department representatives:

Senior Estate Surveyor/East, Ms YIP Pui-yi, Alice (District Lands Office, Yuen Long), Lands Department

26. The Chairman said the above two items were put forward for discussion at the DFMC meeting because they were related to facilities of the district, although it should be the Town Planning and Development Committee to discuss matters on how the Lands Department would manage government land let out under short-term tenancies (“STTs”). Meanwhile, it was suggested that the two items should be discussed together because of their similar natures.

27. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) Long Shin Estate was a very populous public housing estate in want of recreational facilities. Local residents and parents from schools nearby had a certain level of demand for car parking spaces. Therefore, Members hoped the site of a football pitch at Yau Shin Street would be developed for multiple purposes, while proposing provision of standard recreational facilities there, including a 5-a-side soccer pitch and a jogging trail, as well as additional parking facilities, in order to serve the different needs of the residents over the longer term;

(2) As the above facilities took time to complete, Members proposed that part of the land of the football pitch site at Yau Shin Street should be let out as a car park on STT, with the remaining land levelled to provide some activity space for residents. Residents might be dissatisfied if the entire site was used as a car park;

15 (3) Members pointed out that the demand for parking spaces in the district could be assessed after converting part of the site into a temporary car park to provide information for deciding the amount of land reserved for the use of parking spaces in the long run. It was also suggested that using the whole football pitch as a temporary car park might not be necessary despite the certain level of demand for parking spaces in the area;

(4) The road near the football pitch at Yau Shin Street was narrow and plagued by traffic jams during peak hours. Turning the whole site into a temporary car park could increase vehicular flows and aggravate traffic jams, while creating noise and emission problems;

(5) Members enquired whether the DLO could suspend the tender procedure, and hoped a thorough consultation would be carried out with local residents to examine the land use and make appropriate plans;

(6) It was hoped the DLO would consider widening the carriageway and building a multi-storey facility with car parking and recreational spaces, while reviewing land use and development issues;

(7) An enquiry was made with the DLO on the opinions collected from district-level consultation by the YLDO;

(8) It was suggested that metered parking spaces should be provided along the road outside the football pitch to deter prolonged indiscriminate parking;

(9) The area was highly populated with many housing estates and schools in the vicinity, except recreational facilities. It was suggested that, as a venue for sports and physical activities by local residents and students for a long time, the football pitch at Yau Shin Street should be reserved for recreational use;

(10) Members expressed concern that the football pitch site would be spoiled if it was converted into a temporary car park, and could not be reinstated as a venue for activities by residents,

(11) Members said they had received a lot of opinions from local residents expressing objection to the proposal of turning the football pitch at Yau

16 Shin Street into a temporary car park. They hoped the DLO could respect the views of local residents and communities; and

(12) Members hoped the LCSD would review local demand for recreational facilities and provide more of them accordingly.

28. Ms Alice YIP gave a consolidated reply as follows:

(1) The DLO had already consulted relevant departments, including the YLDO and LCSD, on the use of the vacant government land at Yau Shin Street. They replied there had been no plans on its use. Both the YLDO and LCSD revealed that no plans, neither long-term nor short-term, had been made for provision of recreational facilities on any part of the site. As the Transport Department (“TD”) indicated that there was demand for parking spaces in the area, the DLO decided to let out the site through SST as a public fee-paying car park according the principle of “optimal use of land”. The site had been put to tender after approval of the Yuen Long District Lands Conference;

(2) The DLO had received comments on the plan to convert the vacant government site into a temporary car park from two schools nearby through a local consultation by the YLDO. They both expressed concern that the road there could not carry large numbers of vehicles running on it, saying that recreational activities had been held on the site. The DLO had consulted the TD about issues relating to the road, and the latter responded that the road could perform general traffic functions and expressed support for the plan to put the vacant government site to tender and turn it into a public fee-paying car park;

(3) The DLO consulted the YLDO and LCSD again at the request of local residents, prior to triggering the tendering procedures. They confirmed there had been no plans to provide any recreational facilities on the vacant government site at the moment. The DLO had also relayed local residents’ concerns to the PlanD about the long-term use of the site; and

(4) As the tendering procedures had been followed, relevant matters would be continuously dealt with according to the principle of “optimal use of land”. If the long-term use of the vacant government land was confirmed, the DLO would terminate the lease of the temporary car park in due course according to the tenancy conditions, so that the site could be allocated to relevant departments for development purposes.

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29. The Chairman concluded as follows:

(1) Members were dissatisfied with DLO’s plan to convert the football pitch at Yau Shin Street into a temporary car park having taken no account the needs of local residents. They hoped the DLO would optimise the process and improve the situation as it had not handled the matter in a satisfactory manner although the tender had been arranged through the normal procedure;

(2) Members hoped the DLO could put the tender on hold or accept their suggestion that part of the site of the football pitch at Yau Shin Street should be better utilised upon the expiry of the one-year tenancy of the temporary car park, rather than reserving the whole site for car park use; and

(3) Members hoped the DLO would really listen to the views of the YLDC, the respective DC Members and other stakeholders when handling land-related matters in the future.

Item 8: Consolidated report on the recreation and sports activities to be held in Yuen Long district and the management of facilities by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) (January 2018 Issue) (DFMC Paper No. 9/2018) 30. Ms Wendy LUNG briefly introduced the paper, and reported that the bicycle practising area and sitting-out facilities at Tin Shui Wai Cycling Entry/Exit Hub would be open to public officially on 15 January 2018. However, the food kiosk and the bicycle rental kiosk would not be operational until after approval by the works department and upon completion of tendering procedures.

31. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) Members suggested designing a mascot logo for the YLDC for printing on roadside hanging planters; and

(2) Members enquired whether there had been any on-site staff responsible for managing Tin Shui Wai Cycling Entry/Exit Hub, and how the LCSD would handle the situation when large numbers of bicycles were parked there.

18 32. Ms Wendy LUNG responded that it was necessary to review the available resources for purchase of new hanging planters as the existing ones had been purchased with the DC funds in early years. Besides, there were cleaners and security guards stationed at Tin Shui Wai Cycling Entry/Exit Hub, and the LCSD would also step up patrol of the venue and handle illegally parked bicycles in accordance with the regulations on the use of facilities.

33. The Chairman concluded that Members noted the above paper.

Item 9: LCSD Projects and Community Involvement Activities on Greening in Yuen Long district for 2018-19 (DFMC Paper No. 10/2018) 34. Ms Wendy LUNG briefly introduced the paper.

35. Members suggested that the LCSD grow plants with flowers and foliage in hanging planters and increase the budget for greening and facility improvement projects at Locwood Garden.

36. The Chairman concluded that Members had unanimously endorsed a DMW funding of $2,650,000 to implement the Yuen Long Greening and Facility Improvement Project for 2018/19, as well as a Community Involvement Programme (“CIP”) funding of $837,317 to implement the Community Involvement Project on Greening in Yuen Long District for 2018/19, of which $625,755 would be settled in 2018/19 with the remaining $211,562 to be settled in 2019/20.

Item 10: Recreation and Sports Programme to be implemented by LCSD in Yuen Long district for April 2018-March 2019 (DFMC Paper No. 11/2018) 37. Ms Wendy LUNG briefly introduced the paper.

38. The Chairman concluded that Members had unanimously endorsed a CIP funding of $8,598,274 to implement the Recreation and Sports Activities in Yuen Long District for 2018/19, of which $7,980,965 would be settled in 2018/19 with the remaining $617,309 to be settled in 2019/20.

Item 11: Report on the library extension activities organised by LCSD and usage of public libraries in Yuen Long district (DFMC Paper No. 12/2018)

19 AND Item 12: LCSD public library extension programmes in Yuen Long district for April 2018-March 2019 (DFMC Paper No. 13/2018) 39. Ms Rica KWAN briefly introduced the paper.

40. Members suggested providing “self-service library stations” in Yuen Long District to meet the community’s demand. It was also suggested that the LCSD consider allowing readers to borrow books online and pay for their delivery and return by a courier company.

41. The Chairman concluded that Members had unanimously endorsed a CIP funding of $76,220 to implement the Public Library Extension Programmes in Yuen Long District for 2018/19, of which $71,945 would be settled in 2018/19 with the remaining $4,275 to be settled in 2019/20.

Item 13: LCSD work plan on cultural programmes for Yuen Long district in 2018/19 and report on the cultural and entertainment programmes implemented in Yuen Long district as well as the utilisation rate of (DFMC Paper No. 14/2018) 42. Ms Jasmine WONG briefly introduced the paper, saying that the LCSD would organise two major cultural events in 2018/19. One would be a Community Thematic Carnival, tentatively held on 24 June 2018 at Fung Kam Street Sports Centre. The other would be a Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival tentatively scheduled for February 2019 at Tin Shui Wai Park and Ginza Square respectively.

43. Members reminded the LCSD to check and update the information on the event leaflets.

44. The Chairman concluded that Members noted the above paper.

Item 14: Proposal on the district free cultural and entertainment programmes to be co-organised by LCSD and YLDC for Yuen Long district in 2018/19 (DFMC Paper No. 15/2018) 45. Ms Jasmine WONG briefly introduced the paper.

46. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) An enquiry was made with the LCSD on whether it had liaised with the Housing Department (“HD”) about the refusal by Owners’ Committee (“OC”) of Tin Chung Court to provide the venue at Tin Chung Court

20 Amphitheatre since October 2015 for internal reasons. It was believed that the HD would take into account the public interests when deciding whether to hire out the venue. Members suggested they and local residents should be consulted on whether they would agree district free cultural and entertainment programmes should be available, and hoped that the LCSD could organise programmes at Tin Chung Court Amphitheatre again;

(2) Free cultural and entertainment programmes were insufficient in villages in the south of Yuen Long Town;

(3) The LCSD was praised for its good publicity work, given the surge in the average attendance rate for programmes at Tai Tong Tsuen Open Space, Shap Pat Heung in 2017/18 compared to 2016/17;

(4) Members thanked the LCSD for adopting their views of including the open space of Chai Fu House in Tin Fu Court as a performance venue for free cultural and entertainment programmes;

(5) As the cultural and entertainment programmes in the past had been of the same type, Members hoped the LCSD could plan for more varieties of cultural and entertainment programmes and improve the quality of posters and banners for activities and performances in order to attract more members of the public;

(6) Members suggested lowering the fences around the stage of Tin Yiu Estate Amphitheatre that obstructed the views of the audience; and

(7) Members thanked the LCSD for adopting their views of relocating the performance venue to , Kam Tin. It was suggested the LCSD should consider organising performances, such as variety shows, singing, Cantonese opera, etc., at night to draw a bigger audience.

47. Ms Jasmine WONG responded that the LCSD would discuss with the HD and OC of Tin Chung Court the reopening of the amphitheatre for organising free cultural and entertainment programmes, hold further discussions with relevant Members about the adjustment of programme types based on their comments and needs, and actively follow up with programme departments on programme schedules and the designs and effects of publicity materials.

21 48. The Chairman asked Ms WONG to follow up on the reopening of Tin Chung Court Amphitheatre for organising free cultural and entertainment programmes, and to closely liaise with two DC members of the area on the matter.

49. The Chairman concluded that Members had unanimously endorsed a CIP funding of $1,069,300 for the District Free Cultural and Entertainment Programmes co-organised with the YLDC in 2018/19. Of the amount, $987,400 would be settled in 2018/19 with the remaining $81,900 to be settled in 2019/20.

Item 15: Any other business 1) Application for the permission to demolish the rain shelter near Lai Uk Tsuen bus stop on Kam Sheung Road, Yuen Long (DFMC Paper No. 16/2018) 50. The Chairman concluded that Members did not oppose in principle the demolition of the rain shelter near Lai Uk Tsuen bus stop on Kam Sheung Road, Yuen Long.

51. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:50 p.m.

Yuen Long District Council Secretariat February 2018

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