Hong Kong’s John Lee pledges 10-fold expansion of new university town
Proposal follows Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs Xia Baolong’s endorsement of city’s efforts on its first five-year plan
Hong Kong’s leader has vowed to expand a proposed university town tenfold to 1,000 hectares after Beijing’s point man on local affairs endorsed the concept of linking education with industry, while recognising the city’s efforts in economic and innovation and technology (I&T) development.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also said on Wednesday that Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, had stressed that the Northern Metropolis megaproject near the border with mainland China was an important engine for the city’s economy, creating new momentum for development.
Lee said Xia had endorsed his concept of turning the university town into a district incorporating elements of education, I&T, talent, industry and urban development.
“[Xia said it will] allow the campus, technology, industry and city zones to develop in tandem, complement one another and drive the pooling of talent,” Lee added.
“Not only will it expand the capacity and space of the university town, it will also use the ‘university town district’ concept to enrich its inner substance, paving the way for high-quality development.”
The proposed university town is a key part of the 30,000-hectare Northern Metropolis scheme, which Lee said he would expedite to spur economic growth.