In November last year, a deadly fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong, severely burning seven residential towers. On the 14th, Hong Kong government officials stated that reconstruction on the original site could require 9 to 10 years, as it involves handling property rights and legal issues; officials also pointed out that although the buildings do not pose an immediate risk of collapse, it is believed that demolition in the future is highly likely.
Of the eight towers at Wang Fuk Court, seven were badly damaged in the November 2025 fire. The Hong Kong government previously distributed surveys to Wang Fuk Court residents to understand their opinions on long-term resettlement, including options such as onsite reconstruction, the government purchasing residents’ property rights and offering cash compensation, or building new housing for residents elsewhere.
Earlier, Deputy Financial Secretary Wong Wai-lun stated in a radio program that an onsite reconstruction plan for Wang Fuk Court was “unrealistic” and suggested the site could be converted into community facilities. These remarks sparked backlash from many Wang Fuk Court residents, who criticized the government for consulting residents for their opinions while also “closing the back door” by calling onsite reconstruction “unrealistic.”
According to Hong Kong media reports, on the 14th in the Legislative Council, Wong Wai-lun stated that onsite reconstruction might take 9 to 10 years, estimating that the earliest residents could move back would be 2035 or 2036. He explained that onsite reconstruction requires first demolishing the existing buildings, but before demolition, several years will be needed to handle property rights and legal matters for every unit—a considerable challenge.
Secretary for Housing Ho Wing-yin stated that after the fire, many places in the seven towers at Wang Fuk Court suffered from exposed and fractured concrete and bent steel bars, so it is highly uncertain whether the reinforced concrete structures will meet future load-bearing and fire safety standards. She described the structural 'internal injury' as severe. Although the seven buildings face no immediate risk of collapse, she believes future demolition is highly likely.
The reports state that on the morning of the 14th, a representative of Wang Fuk Court owners (title-holders) went to the Legislative Council to submit a petition letter, representing 394 households insisting on onsite reconstruction and hoping the government could shorten the reconstruction timeline.
Owner representative Mr. Dai said that insisting on onsite reconstruction is not only for the sake of property, but also encompasses longing for lost loved ones. He revealed that some elderly owners hope to leave their units to their grandchildren; and for disaster victims who lost both parents, returning to Wang Fuk Court in the future would be “like coming home and seeing their dad and mom—the emotional value of those memories is very important.”