While many workers from today's new generation have been criticised for being self-centred and having inadequate commitment, William Wan, director of property and land for the Urban Renewal Authority, emphasises the importance of being persistent in pursuing meaningful causes in one's career. Moreover, he advocates that even in the business world not everything is driven by monetary returns.

William Wan has been specialising in property development for decades following his graduation from the University of Reading in England with a first class honour degree. Prior to joining the Urban Renewal Authority, he held key positions in the government sector as well as with public organisations such as: the Lands Department, Hong Kong Housing Society, MTR Corporation, Airport Authority Hong Kong, KCRC (before its merger with the MTR Corporation) as well as a private local property developer.

During his tenure in these organisations and companies, Mr. Wan participated to varying extents in a number of well-known commercial property projects such as the International Finance Centre, AsiaWorld Expo, the Chu Kong Shipping Enterprise's marine cargo terminal and logistic centre at the Airport, Vision City and Citywalk, plus an array of other property developments along the Ma On Shan and West Rail lines of the KCRC.

People's needs come first
"In the property development industry, many people think that hardware is of the utmost importance," says Mr. Wan. "Yet I think it is equally important for us to focus more on a people-centred software perspective."

"However, the results relating to enhancement of residents' living standards cannot be easily or accurately measured. Moreover, outcomes may not be realised in the short term, rather one must make a longer term commitment," he says. "Over the long haul, I have learned that persistence pays off."

Mr. Wan remembers that while he was at the Hong Kong Housing Society, he was responsible for Prosperous Garden housing project in Yaumatei. "It was a pioneering urban improvement scheme with the aim of helping middle to lower class residents by building apartments which were affordable and supported by a range of price discounts."

"Human needs were taken into consideration for this project," he says. It was divided into two development phases for both rental and sales purposes respectively.

The residents who originally lived in the old area could be rehoused in the newly established rental blocks in phase 1 and then they could choose to purchase apartments in phase 2 at a discount once the sales blocks were completed.

Established in the 1990s, Prosperous Garden was a self sustaining community with residential areas, public open space, a small shopping arcade and two cinemas. The concept of public open space accompanied by a private estate was still new at that time. Prosperous Garden's public open space was supported by the financial resources derived from the cinema operations.

He adds that with a harmonious synergy of hardware and software, the entire design aimed at raising the living quality of the residents and building a solid community.

"The main consideration for some private developers and listed corporations was on profit maximisation," says Mr. Wan. "The lifestyle of the residents was often not a true key concern unless it helped increase the overall property value."

Establishing a community instead of just a conventional mall
After the first trial of implementing the ¡¥community' concept in a residential estate, Mr. Wan participated in a series of commercial-driven property developments that strove for the highest returns. Yet he has never given up on the idea of serving people in a better way via property development.

The development of Citywalk provided him and his team with another opportunity to put the ¡¥community' concept into actual practice for the well-being of the residents.

Fostering a green oasis
Jointly developed by the Urban Renewal Authority and Sino Land, the 600,000 sq. ft. Citywalk and Citywalk 2 is one of the largest shopping centres in Tsuen Wan, located beneath Vision City and Dynasty which houses 1,720 apartments and about 6,000 residents.

After a HK$50 million investment in green initiatives, Citywalk was the first green shopping mall in Hong Kong, distinguished by its 40 thousand sq. ft. Open Piazza and a vertical greening facility which is as large as a tennis court. It's all located in the centre of the mall with landscaped water features and a hybrid chiller system to improve air quality and recycle waste water.

"As an open space, the Piazza has become a landmark for local residents not only in Vision City but also for those living in the district as well as for tourists staying in the nearby hotel," says Mr. Wan. "Citywalk has become a part of people's lives now and creates a magnetic effect, attracting people who gather near this area to share fun and enjoy their time."

He adds that the open space is enclosed by the buildings, offering an embracing zone with a safe, peaceful and comfortable ambience. Plants in the vertical garden are natural heat insulators that can help reduce indoor temperatures and provide noise absorbing benefits.

"The open area also provides a platform for different community groups, charity organisations and public organisations to stage various kinds of activities. This, in turn, enhances overall cultural awareness, involvement and harmony for the community," he says.

Art for people
On top of his environmental conscious vision, Mr. Wan and his team also believe in the power of art appreciation to raise living quality standards. The Citywalk Gallery was dedicated as a non-commercial permanent exhibition platform for those artists who may not be well known but have a strong commitment and talent in different art media. "With the full support of our partner Sino Land, we have committed a shop space for this purpose," says Mr. Wan. "It is entirely not money driven. We have put aside the rental constraint of the shop area, while there are no monetary transactions in our collaborations with the artists and participants, thereby making the facility freely accessible to all kinds of visitors to Citywalk round the clock."

Promoting awareness of panda
conservation and positive thinking To further promote today's growing eco-friendly commitment across the territory, Citywalk has collaborated with Francis Mak, founder of two student organisations - "Never Give up Association" and "Never Give Up Junior", as well as the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong to unveil the massive "Panda Action 2013" campaign to feature the importance of panda conservation, ecofriendly lifestyle and educational stimulus offered to the young generations.

"The collaboration with Francis Mak again reflects a long-standing and fruitful commitment which has helped bring in literally tons of positive energy," he concludes. "Instead of organising something that is gimmicky or purely for entertainment, we should all do things for the good in an ongoing way. In addition, the project's effectiveness cannot simply be measured by monetary return but it would influence people's way of living, family cohesiveness and community harmony, all through a well-thought-through platform at Citywalk."