URA Retrofitting Former Mong Kok Market Building to Meet Operational Needs of a District Health Centre
To strengthen primary healthcare services, the government proposed in the 2017 Policy Address to gradually establish District Health Centres (DHC) across all 18 districts in Hong Kong, including a permanent Yau Tsim Mong DHC on the site of the former Mong Kok Market. However, considering that the site is located within the area of one of the Development Nodes proposed in The District Study for Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok (YMDS), the Government handed over the market building to the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) in 2020 for retrofitting to enhance planning benefits for the entire region while promptly providing services to local residents. The renovated building will serve as a mid-term site for the DHC, while a permanent site is being identified within the YMDS area.
The former Mong Kok Market building was completed almost half a century ago and has been out of operation for over 10 years. After taking over the market, the URA appointed engineering consultants to conduct a comprehensive survey of the building’s condition. It was found that the building’s structure has severely deteriorated due to aging, with issues such as water leakage from the ceiling and walls, concrete spalling, and exposed rusting steel reinforcement. It also lacked sufficient fire safety and barrier-free facilities, making it difficult to meet the requirements of modern buildings. Therefore, certain modifications are necessary to comply with current regulatory standards, ensure the structural safety of the building, and support the operational needs of the DHC.
To address this, the URA team optimised the design in three aspects: enhancing the environmental safety of the DHC, adding building and fire safety equipment, and redesigning the market facade and layout. The team maintained close communication with the Health Bureau to develop suitable engineering plans, repurposing the market building as a modernised health centre to serve the public.
After approximately four years of technical research, detailed design, and construction, the renovation of the former Mong Kok Market building has recently obtained the occupation permit. The URA team is currently undertaking internal renovation and rectification work in the building. Once completed, it will be handed over to the Health Bureau and service operator for preparation to enable the health centre to commence services as soon as possible. This initiative aligns with the Financial Secretary's objective in the latest budget proposal to upgrade the Yau Tsim Mong District Health Stations to a DHC within this year, strengthening the community healthcare system.
Conducting a "Full Check-up" of the Market from the Outside In
Opened in 1977, the three-story former Mong Kok Market provided fresh produce to the local community daily. It was closed in 2010 due to a significant drop in foot traffic and business following the opening of the nearby Garden Street Market and Tai Kok Tsui Municipal Services Building. The building remained vacant until it was taken over by the URA in 2020.
Before conducting detailed design work, the URA engaged engineering consultants to perform a comprehensive check-up of the market building using various methods, including infrared detectors, hammer tests, and concrete breaking tests. This thorough examination aimed to assess the structural condition and building services of the entire market facility.
According to the survey report, while the overall structure of the market is safe, issues related to ageing, such as water seepage, plastering issues, and concrete spalling, were identified. There are also problems with exposed, rusting steel reinforcement and the façade, which increase the risk of concrete falling from heights and pose a threat to public safety.
In addition, the drainage system, electrical installations, and other building services in the market have shown varying degrees of aging and damage. The market also lacks a fire sprinkler system, fire water tanks, and barrier-free facilities, which does not comply with current building regulations and safety standards.
Retrofitting the Market Building: Three Key Aspects
To this end, the URA team has developed a retrofitting plan to transform the market into a DHC, focusing on three aspects:
1. Enhancing Environmental Safety
There were only two parking areas in the former Mong Kok Market, one for waste collection vehicles and the other for vendor loading and unloading. The loading bay was around 60 square meters in size, requiring vehicles to reverse in a “back-in” manner for loading and unloading. This posed a safety threat to both drivers and pedestrians. To ensure that the DHC provides adequate loading and unloading spaces for rehabilitation buses, private cars, or taxis, facilitating access for the elderly and disabled, the team merged the two parking areas. The total parking area is now approximately 226 square meters, expanded by 2.8 times, and offers three parking or drop-off spaces. The enlarged parking area also provides sufficient room for vehicles to turn around without needing to reverse into the DHC, thus enhancing the safety of users and pedestrians.
A hygienic environment is particularly important to a DHC. Therefore, the team installed a UV disinfection device, developed by the URA-funded expert team from Zhu Hai College, on the rooftop ventilation duct of the building to reduce the risk of viral transmission through the ductwork. Various anti-bacterial materials are used in the interior, such as seamless vinyl flooring in treatment and consultation rooms, and walls painted with anti-bacterial latex paint to minimise bacterial buildup. This creates a safe, hygienic, and clean environment for users.
2. Installing Fire Safety and Building Equipment to Meet Regulatory Requirements
Built in the 1970s, the former Mong Kok Market not only lacked a fire sprinkler system and fire water tanks, but it also had no designate space for such equipment. To comply with current regulatory requirements, the URA team dismantled a small dormitory originally used by market security staff on the rooftop to create space for a fire water tank. This also addresses the issue of inadequate public space within the building.
The drainage system and electrical facilities of the building were also enhanced to meet the operational needs of the DHC. Additional water tanks were placed within the market building, old and blocked piping was replaced, and electrical systems were reinstalled. The team conducted interior renovations, including flooring and wall finishes, and installed air conditioning and fiber-optic internet connections to ensure that all water supply, electricity, and internet facilities are ready for use. This allows the service operator to focus solely on equipping the DHC with medical equipment and furniture once they move in, enabling the DHC to start services for community use as soon as possible.
The market building was designed without barrier-free accessibility feature. To facilitate access to the DHC for the elderly, wheelchair users, and those with mobility challenges, the team replaced the existing elevator with an "accessible lift". This new lift is larger than typical models, and the control buttons are equipped with tactile braille and markers for users' convenience. Furthermore, two ramps, each about 25 meters long with handrails, have been installed on the ground and first floors, along with an additional lift platform. Should the lift fail or require maintenance, these facilities will help reduce inconvenience for those in need.
3. Redesigning the Market Facade and Layout
The original design and layout of the Mong Kok Market building were specifically tailored for market use. To accommodate the operational needs of the DHC, the team had to make certain modifications to the original architectural design. This includes renovating the facade facing Canton Road and Nathan Road, redesigning the position of the windows, installing glass, and enlarging the window areas to enhance natural lighting. Additionally, the facade of the health centre will be made of more durable aluminum panels instead of paint to reduce future maintenance requirements.
As for the interior of the market, the original layout of partitioned stalls was unsuitable for the operational needs of the DHC, and limited the internal space for pathways, particularly restricting movement for wheelchair users. Therefore, the team removed the brick partitions and redesigned the internal layout. A spacious reception area and waiting zone on the ground floor are created to facilitate access for the public and provide ample room for wheelchair users to navigate between different floors within the building.
Furthermore, to strengthen the connection between the DHC and the community, as well as to promote pedestrian accessibility, the team incorporated a floor-to-ceiling glass design on the ground level of the health centre facing Argyle Street. This design not only enhances natural lighting but also increases the visual transparency of the centre, attracting passersby to enter and access health information or services, thus fostering a stronger link between the centre and the community.
Considering the presence of several outdoor bus stops along Argyle Street, which currently lack queuing facilities, and the narrow sidewalks, the floor-to-ceiling glass facade of the DHC is set back by about one meter. This adjustment provides extra space for citizens to wait for buses or shield themselves from the rain. It improves the waiting environment and makes the sidewalk more spacious and accessible, enhancing the overall ambiance of the area.
Permanent DHC to Be located within the Sai Yee Street Project
The retrofitted DHC will be adequately equipped to meet operational needs for the next ten years. During this period, the URA's Sai Yee Street/Flower Market Road Development Scheme will construct a multi-purpose complex under a "Single Site, Multiple Use" model. Once construction is completed and the complex is operational, the DHC will seamlessly transition from the former Mong Kok Market to its new permanent location in the complex, providing quality medical information and care services to local residents.