Critical issues in spatial distribution of public housing estates and their implications on urban renewal in Hong Kong

Abstract

Purpose – Public housing in Hong Kong plays an essential role in accommodation supply to people of low income. Access to social resources and rent levels of nearby private residential housing are two critical issues impacting the well-being of residents living in public housing estates. However, previous research has rarely focused on the spatial distribution of public housing estates through exploring these two critical issues. On the other hand, Hong Kong is currently experiencing an urban renewal process. It would be beneficial to consider these critical issues for spatial allocation of public housing in urban renewal decision making. The purpose of this paper is to investigate these two critical issues in relation to the spatial distribution of public housing estates in Kowloon, Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach – Seven spatial variables were selected to reflect these critical issues. Spatial analysis in Geographic Information System was conducted to process the data required. Multiple logistic regression was employed to analyse the relationships between the spatial location of public housing estates and the seven selected variables. Findings – Based on the analysis results, several problems as well as geographical advantages of the current location of public housing estates were discovered, which can be valuable references for decision making by government authorities for public housing development in the future. Originality/value – This research is a pilot study on the spatial distribution of public housing estates and the critical influencing factors in Hong Kong, undertaken by applying both spatial analysis and statistical methods. It can help relevant decision makers deal with current problems of public housing location and make informed decisions on where to locate new housing projects in an urban renewal process, which can increase the equal distribution of social resources and improve the well-being of people living in public housing.