Page 56 - 20190415_LandAdvocacy_EN
P. 56
Existing flatted factories are not fit for purpose. . .
(Figure 36) Warehouse on “Brownfield” (Figure 37) Typical Flatted Factory
Source: Our Hong Kong Foundation
Existing storage and distribution spaces in Hong Kong are insufficient, and many of the time,
unsuitable.
The existing flatted factories in the city are just not suitable for the needs of the market. In modern day logistics,
where “next-day arrival” services are ubiquitous, logistics and distribution centres require large floor areas and high
ceilings, as well as direct access by lorries. Presently, these sorts of spaces are available at relatively lower rents in
“brownfield” sites.
Flatted factories, on the other hand, were designed during the industrial era of Hong Kong, and are more suited for
manufacturing than logistics. Since they are built vertically, access to the upper floors are via lifts only, but the lifts
tend to be outdated. For instance, vertical bi-parting lift doors are still common in flatted factories. Direct access to
upper floors by ramp is preferable, but it is virtually non-existent among the older industrial districts.
54
