Exclusive | Brownfield site development for New Territories North town plan to be brought forward in Hong Kong leader’s policy address
Source tells the Post that Chief Executive Carrie Lam’s policy address on Wednesday will include fast-tracked plans for new town that could house up to 350,000 people
Hong Kong’s leader is set to fast-track plans for a massive new town, which would see 200 hectares of brownfield land being released to build flats, as she responds to intense pressure to come up with affordable housing solutions in her policy address on Wednesday.
Sources familiar with preparations for Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s second policy blueprint revealed her plans to push ahead with the New Territories North development, which is still in the conceptual stage and was originally expected to be completed after 2030.
While Lam’s government favours reclamation to create precious new land for housing, it is under greater public pressure to redevelop brownfield sites, which are mainly privately owned and often rented to businesses.
The new town development covers the Hung Lung Hang, Heung Yuen Wai, Ping Che, Ta Kwu Ling and Queen’s Hill areas. It is close to the San Tin development at the Lok Ma Chau border area and the Man Kam To logistics corridor, offering about 720 hectares of developable land – 200 hectares of which is brownfield sites.
“The new study will take the development plan beyond the conceptual plan listed in the government’s 2030 Plus blueprint unveiled in 2016,” the source said.
“2030 Plus only identifies New Territories North as one of the potential new development areas beyond 2030. It is a step forward for the government to launch a detailed feasibility study on the new town.”
The new town was listed as a medium- to long-term option in the consultation document the government-appointed Task Force on Land Supply finished gathering public feedback on last month.