The Buildings Department announced on 9 September 2026 that it had brought 259 charges against Hung Yick Architects, Hung Yip Building Construction and four related individuals over alleged breaches linked to major renovation works at Hung Fuk Court.
The individuals named are Hung Yick director Wong Hap-yin, Hung Yick’s appointed registered inspector Ng Yeuk, and Hung Yip directors Hau Wah-kin and Ho Kin-yip. The allegations will be subject to legal proceedings.
The allegations include permitting or authorising the use of non-fire-retardant scaffolding nets, tarpaulins and foam boards covering windows. Reports said windows along stairway escape routes were removed to create openings known colloquially as “sang hau”, which were then covered with those materials. Authorities said the arrangement could have accelerated the spread of fire and obstructed escape.
The Buildings Department also alleged that Ng, the registered inspector appointed by the engineering consultant, failed to properly supervise prescribed repairs and did not ensure that the building was safe or had been made safe. Other allegations included the use of improper or non-compliant materials, construction or inspection practices resulting in injury and property damage, and inadequate supervision of the works.
The investigation was carried out by the Buildings Department together with the Housing Bureau’s Independent Review Panel after a fire at Hung Fuk Court.
The department said Hung Yip had earlier notified it that it would stop acting as a registered general building contractor and had subsequently been removed from the relevant register. It said that change would not exempt the company from criminal or other legal liability under the Buildings Ordinance.
The Buildings Department said relevant registered building professionals would be referred to disciplinary boards for consideration, regardless of whether they were convicted by a court.