So Uk Estate (Chinese: 蘇屋邨) is an early public housing estate in the northern area So Uk, a downhill in Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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The estate was built alongside of squatter areas. The squatter was later demolished for the construction of the estate of 16 blocks in 1960. The blocks were called "Houses" and named after varieties of flowers. Unlike many public housing estates built afterward, the architectural design of the estates is unique in Hong Kong. There are 5,316 flats in the estate, with areas ranging from 19.5 to 49.1m2, with capacity of 15,200.[1]
Of distinctive design, the estate was the home of many famous individuals during their youth in Hong Kong, for example, Sam Hui and his brothers, Wong Ka Kui and his brother in the band Beyond and many others.
As of 2008[update], over 48 years, the structure is still in good condition but its estimated high maintenance cost made the Hong Kong Housing Authority decide to demolish the six blocks in March 2012 . The Authority will compensate residents and aid in their move. It has also allowed residents the option of moving into Un Chau Estate Phases 2, 4, and 5 in Sham Shui Po.[2]
A foundation titled, "Farewell So Uk" [1] was established as a historical archive for the Estate and to document its history of its residents. It is sponsored by the Salvation Army of Hong Kong and the Salisbury YMCA.