Evaluation of the urban renewal projects in social dimensions

Purpose: The paper is a follow-up to previous studies conducted by the authors. It aims to develop a set of valid and reliable performance indicators for evaluating the social wellbeing of the urban renewal projects carried out in Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach: Before identification of the appropriate indicators, the paper briefly introduces the most critical socially sustainable factors that should be considered when planning an urban renewal project. Afterwards, it highlights the criteria for the selection of indicators, and develops appropriate indicators and a corresponding point scoring system for six major social design criteria through a comprehensive literature review and with the help of a number of experts from industry and academia. Findings: By developing relevant indicators, the concerned parties can easily identify whether a renewal project meets pre-determined planning initiatives and social objectives. Once deficiencies are noted, relevant parties can take immediate action to rectify and refine the design accordingly. It is expected that the social wellbeing of Hong Kong citizens can be assured upon completion of a renewal project - when it has been evaluated against the benchmarks in advance. Originality/value: By conducting a comprehensive literature review and with the help of a number of experts from the industry and the academia, the paper proposes a set of valid, reliable and representative performance indicators and corresponding point scoring system for assessing the social sustainability of the urban renewal projects.