The government plans to trial whole-market leasing at three future public markets in Tin Shui Wai, Area 67 of Tseung Kwan O and Kwu Tung North. The arrangement would outsource operation of the markets to private contractors, while the government is also studying whether vacant public-market space could be used for other purposes.
The New People’s Party’s questionnaire of 4,095 residents found that 46.8% preferred empty market space to provide services for older people. Community healthcare was the next most popular option, followed by short-term markets and creative-industry activities. Other suggestions included service points and spaces for youth activities or shared use.
The same survey found that 47.7% supported whole-market leasing, while nearly 23% did not. Respondents’ main concerns, according to the party, were that an outsourced operator could gain a monopoly and push up prices. The New People’s Party urged the government to avoid concentrating operating rights in one operator or one type of operator, and to monitor prices and management quality.
Among respondents, 66.3% bought food and daily necessities at public markets, while nearly 80% of those aged 71 or above did so. The party has called for clearer policy goals and performance measures for vacant space, so that its use reflects services lacking in each community.
For the planned Area 67 market, due for completion in 2028 and expected to be the area’s first public market, the New People’s Party has proposed rent concessions for young entrepreneurs and priority for independent shops.