A concrete jungle rising from the slopes, that’s Lei Muk Shue Estate. It stands tall near the Shing Mun Tunnels in Hong Kong. Let’s explore this fascinating housing estate. Lei Muk Shue Estate is the largest public housing estate in Tsuen Wan District. It houses a population of around 27,400 people. Lei Muk Shue Estate is actually divided into three parts. These are Lei Muk Shue (I) Estate, Lei Muk Shue (II) Estate, and simply Lei Muk Shue Estate. This often causes confusion, but they are all part of the same larger complex.
The history of Lei Muk Shue Estate is a story of growth and renewal. The first generation of buildings went up in the 1970s. These were 14 blocks, built in two phases. Initially, they housed residents displaced by the construction of the Tsuen Wan MTR line. Interestingly, flat number six in Lei Muk Shue (II) Estate is unique. It’s the only one of its kind connected to a newer government-subsidized housing block.
Later, three more buildings were added to accommodate more residents. This marked the second generation of the estate. These were later renamed Pak Shue House, Yung Shue House, and Chuk Shue House. Despite its location in Sheung Kwai Chung, Lei Muk Shue Estate is administered by Tsuen Wan District. This is due to its location west of Wo Yi Hop Road, the boundary between the districts.
The estate underwent a major redevelopment starting in the 1990s. Eight of the older buildings were demolished. In their place, ten new buildings and a shopping center were constructed. This new phase was completed between 1998 and 2005. The original blocks seven and eight were rebuilt as Pine House and Banyan House, respectively. The redevelopment even included adding lift towers to the remaining older block six. This greatly improved accessibility for the residents.
Sadly, the original blocks nine to twelve met their end. They were permanently closed in 2000 and later demolished. However, the site didn’t remain empty for long. Five new buildings, along with Lei Muk Shue Shopping Centre, sprung up. The shopping center brought a new vibrancy to the area, with supermarkets, restaurants, and shops.
Today, only the first six blocks of the original estate remain. They stand as a testament to the estate’s history. While the estate initially featured a large cooked food stall area and a wet market, these have been replaced by the modern shopping center. Despite the upgrade, some residents still miss the old market and its wider variety of food options. However, now residents often head to the shopping center’s ground-floor market for their daily groceries.
Beyond its residential function, Lei Muk Shue Estate is also close to several recreational facilities. These include the Shing Mun Valley Sports Ground and the Ho Koi Kung Swimming Pool. The nearby public library adds another dimension to the community’s resources. For those interested in a bit of film trivia, a scene from the 1976 movie, “The Private Eyes”, was filmed right here at Lei Muk Shue Estate. It featured the backdrop of Wo Yi Hop Road North.