I had the opportunity to visit the Domain in Yau Tong recently. This shopping centre has recently been added to the Housing Authority’s portfolio, with its soft opening in late September. I was delighted to see that the majority of shops have started their business and all necessary facilities were largely put in place. Just a couple of weeks before the soft opening, the progress of works was really worrying. There were fitting out works everywhere and it was extremely hard to imagine how the place could be ready for business in a short period of time.

Well, I was there on the day of soft opening in late September and I was really impressed with the progress. It was encouraging to see so many people visiting the Domain on the first day. I was told that after the soft opening, the average number of visitors surpassed 28 000 during weekends and public holidays and it is expected to grow after the launch of more promotional events and as more anchor tenants start operation.

The Domain will have its Grand Opening on 1 December 2012. I must thank all colleagues involved who I know are working around the clock to get us to this point. I have seen a huge transformation in just a few months. I have captured a few images showing the processes.

A lot of effort has been put to coordinating the enhancement works, helping the tenants settling in, and organising publicity events. In the next few weeks, we will step up publicity to attract more visitors, including holding mascot parades and variety shows in the holiday season. The designated small retail zone (Zone D), which aims to provide a platform for small operators and enterprises to conduct business, has also started to take shape.

A successful shopping centre cannot succeed without good dining facilities. In Domain, we have over 40 dining venues and food outlets providing a host of choices such as Shanghaiese, Japanese and western cuisines, cafes, as well as quality fast food.

As December is approaching, I encourage you to spare some time visiting the Domain with your families and friends. With the variety of retail outlets in the Domain, you may well be able to get all your Christmas gifts. Do enjoy the cheerful ambience, and try out the food!

D W Pescod
Director of Housing

“Handing Down the Fortune in Kwong Fuk”, the fifth episode of the “Community Impressions” video series produced by the Housing Authority (HA), was launched on 16 November. The story is about Ms Lee who has been an active volunteer in Kwong Fuk Estate. Thanks to her influence, her son Andy is also a volunteer, serving as coach for a local rugby team which had nurtured his zeal for the sport. It is amazing to see benevolence and love for the community passing on from mother to son.

The public can view the video on the Housing Authority / Housing Department Website, the HA’s facebook page “Public Housing Vistas”, as well as the HA’s channel on YouTube. A short version of the video is also running on the Housing Channel at the ground floor lobby of public housing blocks.

As one of the collaborating parties of the Electrical and Mechanical (E&M) Safety Carnival for years, the Housing Authority (HA) has been actively promoting safe living to the public. This biennial event, organised by the E&M Services Department, was held on 17 and 18 November at Kwai Chung Sports Ground this year.

In line with the carnival’s objective to boost awareness of E&M safety and strengthen the knowledge of energy saving among the community, the HA set up a game booth with display panels to offer tips on the safe use of lifts and escalators. In total, 14 government departments, private companies and professional bodies participated in the two-day event, attracting over 12 000 visitors.