Hong Kong launches plan to turn Lau Fau Shan near city’s border with Shenzhen into technology, eco-tourism hub

Development Bureau says it is considering adopting new model to convert sections of 411-hectare area into spaces for technology and tourism purposes

Authorities brush aside concerns that area will become real estate project if developers are involved in district planning

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Mangrove forests and oyster farms along the coastline of Lau Fau Shan. Authorities are considering converting sections of the 411-hectare area into spaces for technology and tourism purposes. Photo: Nora Tam

Published: 9:00pm, 21 Feb 2024Updated: 10:07pm, 21 Feb 2024

Hong Kong has announced a new development plan to transform the oyster farm area of Lau Fau Shan near the city’s border with Shenzhen into a digital technology and eco-tourism hub, with the aim of engaging the private sector.

The Development Bureau said on Wednesday that it was considering adopting a model called “development of local districts” to convert some sections of the 411-hectare Lau Fau Shan area into designated spaces for technology and tourism purposes.

A bureau spokeswoman said the model would allow developers to construct private and public facilities and carry out commercial activities on the site, such as operating hotels and retail shops in the eco-tourism area.

“It will involve different land uses and make the whole model financially viable … I believe it will be attractive for markets,” she said.

An oyster shed in Lau Fau Shan. Fifteen hectares of the land under the plan have been allocated for the construction of digital technology facilities. Photo: Jelly Tse

The bureau brushed aside concerns that the area would become a real estate project if developers were involved in district planning. It said the government would play a leading role in setting development parameters and ensuring proper land use and pledged to issue open tenders for the area.