Comparative study on urban renewal governance structure : a case study of Hong Kong and Shenzhen

Abstract

This dissertation aims to identify the optimal urban renewal governance structure applicable to both Hong Kong and Shenzhen through a comparative study of their governance structure. Initially, it outlines China's new phase of urbanization — stock development—and highlights that while Shenzhen leads in urban renewal in China, it still faces issues needing improvement. Thus, a comparative study with Hong Kong, which has a similar context and an earlier development history, can provide better governance structures through mutual learning and innovative approaches. To this end, the dissertation first reviews the literature, emphasizing the key elements of urban renewal governance structures: interaction mechanisms, actors, and safeguard mechanisms. It introduces agency theory and stakeholder theory to further refine the research framework. Using a case study method, the governance structure of both cities are analyzed and compared by examining urban renewal projects, policy documents, and relevant reports, revealing differences in actors and safeguard mechanisms. In terms of interaction mechanisms, Hong Kong's governance structure is relatively mature, with the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) acting as a semi-governmental, semi-market entity playing a crucial role in balancing public and economic interests. In contrast, Shenzhen's current governance structure may face policy gaps, redundant processes, or a lack of sustainable social benefits during its transitional period. Regarding actors, Hong Kong's projects involve distinct roles for the government, URA, market, and public, though some projects suffer from insufficient market enthusiasm and public decision-making power. In Shenzhen, the government, market, and public act as primary actors, with the government and market taking a leading role in project advancement, and public involvement being relatively inadequate. For safeguard mechanisms, Hong Kong has a comprehensive legal system and detailed planning management processes composed of various departments, with financial support from the government, coordinated by the URA, driven by market, with public participating. Conversely, while Shenzhen has made significant progress in establishing safeguard mechanisms, it still faces legal and managerial gaps, hindering the advancement of new projects such as community-supported urban renewal and historical building preservation. Drawing on the experiences of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and other cities, the dissertation discusses and outlines an ideal urban renewal governance structure suitable for both regions. The study finds that different project types require different governance structures: reconstruction projects emphasize multi-stakeholder participation; renewal projects focus on government-resident collaboration and resident self-organization; and conservation projects need to be completed with full consideration of community and resident opinions. Based on these findings, the dissertation proposes corresponding improvement suggestions for urban renewal in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. For instance, Shenzhen should enhance public participation through seeting support institution and policy, leveraging existing state-owned enterprise investment platforms to transform into urban renewal agencies. Hong Kong should work on establishing stronger community connections. Finally, the dissertation anticipates future research directions, including expanding the scope of study and adopting more rigorous quantitative analysis frameworks.