When carrying out the BFA enhancements, The Link will follow the Best Practicable Principle based on the standards set out in the Buildings Department’s Design Manual: Barrier Free Access 2008 as well as other associated requirements. A total of eight major BFA facilities will be upgraded or have new equipment added, including tactile guide paths, low platform service counters, accessible toilets, Braille layout maps, visual fire alarms, accessible parking bays, ramps and lifts with audio / visual functions.

In some cases, there may be BFA items that cannot be installed due to physical constraints or lengthy applications to government departments for making renovations. These may lead to a delay in completion or failure of installation of any of the eight BFA items. The Link Access Advisory Group comprising representatives of 11 rehabilitation organisations in Hong Kong has agreed to group these types of properties under the “Properties with Basic BFA Facilities Completed” for public information (Attachment 1).

The enclosed Progress Report also provides updates on BFA projects in all properties where works have commenced (Attachment 2).

BFA enhancements have already begun on a total of 64 properties in four batches since our announcement of the Total Improvement of BFA Upgrades Programme early last year. To date, 14 properties have completed the basic BFA upgrades according to the Best Practicable Principle.