DEVELOPERS have shown strong interest in the multi-billion-dollar property development of the Tung Chung and Tai Kok Tsui stations along the new airport railway.
The Mass Transit Railway Corp (MTRC) has begun inviting tenders for the first phase of property development on the two stations.
So far, Swire Properties, New World Development, Sun Hung Kai Properties, Hang Lung Development and CITIC Pacific have expressed an interest in the projects.
Paul Tong, general manager of New World, said his company was very interested in the projects.
He believed developers would not be deterred that no formal contract with successful tenderers could be entered into until agreement on the airport railway had been reached, and the Land Commission had approved the necessary grants.
He would not comment on whether the MRTC's tender invitation indicated an imminent settlement of the Sino-British row on the airport project but he said New World was 'very optimistic about the prospects for the project.' Analysts said New World, which is involved in property development projects with the MTRC, would be particularly keen on the new projects.