Think tank identifies 2,000 hectares of land in northern Hong Kong for development, proposes 2 new highways, 1 rail line
- Proposal by Our Hong Kong Foundation covers six locations with development potential in northern and central parts of New Territories.
- Think tank calls for government to begin developing infrastructure ahead of ambitious North Metropolis and Lantau Vision Tomorrow projects
A think tank has identified 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) of land in northern Hong Kong suitable for development but which will require building two new highways and a rail line running from the urban centres to the border with mainland China to ensure easy access.
The proposal by Our Hong Kong Foundation came as the administration is expected to consult the public on building new transport networks to connect development areas in the New Territories with the urban core by the end of this year.
The infrastructure recommended by the think tank covers six locations with development potential in the northern and central parts of the New Territories.
“These sites are not part of the country park and are mostly flat, being very suitable for development,” said Ryan Ip Man-ki, the group’s head of land and housing research. “They are not developed at the moment because infrastructure is insufficient. The proposed roads and railway can bring development and benefit the city.”
The collective parcel of 2,000 hectares is spread across Lam Tsuen, Kam Tin, Sha Tau Kok, southeastern Yuen Long, southern Kwu Tung and Fanling.
Ip said the proposed infrastructure would connect the city’s cross-border checkpoints with the urban areas in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, as well as a new metropolis planned under the government’s Lantau Tomorrow Vision.
