URA: Public spaces on private property to meet new design guidelines with effect on 24 April

Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has announced that according to a circular to building owners and developers, public spaces on private property will soon have to meet new design guidelines with effect on 24 April 2017.
Under the new rules, these spaces, include covered public spaces such as the area outside Asia Square, outdoor public spaces, and urban parks, should be barrier-free and accessible to all users.
URA also said that the area should be well-shaded, noting that the material used to provide shade should not cause additional heat retention.
Developers should also provide public seating and bicycle racks, as well as additional amenities such as public art, water features, wireless Internet and phone charging points.
It noted that property owners and developers are required to provide public spaces as part of their tender for some Government Land Sales sites and at certain redevelopment sites, adding that those seeking gross floor area exemption for a first-storey covered public space would also have to comply with the new rules.
URA stressed that the design guidelines are set out to safeguard the quality of privately owned public spaces and ensure that these spaces are well-utilised and serve as meaningful places for people for enjoy.