Contemplate this a sprawling testament to Hong Kong’s public housing. Welcome to Sau Mau Ping Estate. This estate reflects the city’s ever-evolving urban landscape. It stands as one of the earliest public housing estates in Kwun Tong District.
Sau Mau Ping Estate has a rich history. It began as the Sau Mau Ping Resettlement Area after World War II. Hong Kong’s population grew rapidly then. The government decided to build this resettlement area. It later transformed into the Sau Mau Ping Estate we see today.
The development of Sau Mau Ping Estate occurred in six phases. Phase 1 started in lower Sau Mau Ping from 1964 to 1966. This phase included Blocks 1 to 17. These were all 7-storey L-shaped resettlement buildings. Collectively, they were known as Sau Mau Ping IV Estate. All buildings from this phase were demolished in 1992 and reconstructed into Hiu Lai Court.
Phase 2 involved constructing Blocks 32 to 41 in central Sau Mau Ping. Blocks 34 to 41 finished between 1966 and 1967. These were called Sau Mau Ping III Estate. Blocks 32 and 33 were completed later in 1969. Blocks 32 and 33 were demolished in 1997. They were rebuilt into the Sau Mau Ping Shopping Centre. Blocks 34 to 36 were also demolished. Four Harmony-style public rental housing buildings replaced them. These are now Sau Nga House, Sau Yee House, Sau Hong House, and Sau Lok House. Blocks 37 to 41 were demolished in 2001.
Phase 3 consisted of only two blocks Blocks 26 and 27. These blocks had a special structure. It resembled Block 66 in Tsz Wan Shan Resettlement Area. They were connected to form a long building. However, these two blocks were demolished in 1985 due to safety concerns.
Phase 4 included the construction of Block 31. It combined with existing Blocks 32 and 33. This formed a complex. The resettlement complex was completed between 1968 and 1970. The ground floor became a marketplace. The complex was demolished in 1997.
Phase 5 saw the construction of Blocks 19 to 20 and 28 to 30. They were completed in 1970. After Phase 5, Blocks 19 to 31 were named Sau Mau Ping I Estate. Block 18 was planned for Phase 5 at the site of Sau Ming House. Construction never happened because of practical difficulties. Blocks 28 to 30 were demolished in 1997. Blocks 19 to 20 were demolished in 2001.
Phase 6 comprised Blocks 21 to 25 completed in 1971. It also included Blocks 42 to 45 completed in 1973. All these blocks were collectively named Sau Mau Ping II Estate. Blocks 42 to 45 were demolished in 1996 because of structural problems. The site was rebuilt into Sau Ching House, Sau Yue House, and Sau Fai House.
By the end of the 20th century, the Hong Kong Housing Authority decided to redevelop the old Sau Mau Ping Estate. The project was completed in 2001. The new estate retained the original name.
Sau Mau Ping Estate currently has 18 blocks. They provide 12310 rental flats. Each flat measures 10.6 to 52.2 square metres. Approximately 38833 residents live in 11912 households. Sau Mau Ping Estate stands as a vibrant community. It showcases Hong Kong’s commitment to public housing. Take a moment to appreciate the history and the people who call this place home.