Guangzhou's controversial university town on Xiaoguwei Island is starting to release land requisitioned from farmers, a move the city says is necessary to rein in spiralling property prices.
Fifteen parcels of land would be leased to developers, the Southern Metropolis News reported, including 11,760 square metres earmarked for residential properties.
It added that the Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre would become an important source of supply for residential properties.
With construction finished, the university now has a land surplus. Fifty-five per cent of the island is undeveloped and large swathes with a view of the river remain. Villagers fear it will eventually be sold to property developers.
The island is also an attractive area because it is connected to the city by a short ride on the expressway and will add a subway link.
Real estate analyst Long Bin said the campus town's long-term prospects were bright because it was one of three areas that figured prominently in Guangzhou's development plan, the others being Zhujiang New City and Nansha Island. 'Being part of the southern [development] thrust and near the sea makes the university town even more important,' Mr Long said.
