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Development Bureau

The latest news and top stories on the Development Bureau. A prominent Hong Kong-based governmental body, the Development Bureau (DEVB) is dedicated to facilitating the city’s continual development through effective land planning and use. Its main areas of focus include urban planning and renewal, land administration, infrastructure development, building safety, water supplies, flood prevention and heritage conservation. Established in 2007, the DEVB plays a crucial role in ensuring a steady land supply, promoting sustainable development and enhancing Hong Kong’s position as a competitive cosmopolitan city. It oversees significant projects, including the transformation of Kowloon East and the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy.

A glass walkway has become the main attraction of the East Coast Boardwalk’s eastern section. Photo: Elson Li

Hong Kong society

Glass observatory deck on Hong Kong Island promenade draws tens of thousands

About 7,000 people visited the glass walkway on weekend after its opening, with numbers peaking at 16,000 on New Year’s Day.

6 Jan 2026 - 12:15AM

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong Island promenade to be completed after 16 years as final section opens

28 Dec 2025 - 9:40PM

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong tightens rules for waterfront event space after hot-air balloon fiasco

23 Dec 2025 - 7:23AM

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

‘No leniency’: Hong Kong minister vows tougher safety laws after Tai Po fire

Development chief Bernadette Linn says authorities must ‘thoroughly review the existing system with a heavy hand’.

20 Dec 2025 - 8:27PM

The catastrophic 43-hour blaze at Wang Fuk Court, which broke out on November 26, claimed at least 161 lives and left nearly 5,000 residents displaced. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong economy

Exclusive | Hong Kong ‘could halt’ commercial land sales for second year over poor demand

Development chief Bernadette Linn also says it is ‘untrue’ that Lantau reclamation plan was shelved because of pressure from developers.

28 Oct 2025 - 8:31AM

Education in Hong Kong

Rush to create 2,600 student hostel spaces to meet surging demand in Hong Kong

Government has received more than 10 applications to turn commercial buildings and hotels into dormitory spaces, education minister says.

18 Oct 2025 - 3:31PM

Hong Kong housing

Editorial | Root out irregularities to restore trust in Hong Kong’s construction sector

The government must ensure a thorough investigation and a proper response by the contractor involved in a recent case to quell the public’s worries over building safety.

9 Oct 2025 - 7:15AM

A construction site for light public housing in Chai Wan on October 7. Hong Kong authorities said irregularities were discovered across the three light public housing projects in Siu Lam, Tuen Mun and Chai Wan – all managed by contractor Able and Chun Wo Joint Venture – after an inspection by the Architectural Services Department. Photo: Jelly Tse

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong shelves HK$700 million infrastructure gallery proposal after backlash

Gallery proposed for Wan Chai North waterfront would have showcased projects such as Northern Metropolis, but plan scrapped after public outcry.

2 Oct 2025 - 8:46PM

Super Typhoon Ragasa

Hong Kong to learn from Ragasa, boost flood mitigation measures: minister

Development minister Bernadette Linn also says Kau Yi Chau reclamation project shelved to prevent ‘immense strain’ on authorities, market.

27 Sep 2025 - 6:08PMvideocam

Northern Metropolis

Outside In | To speed up Northern Metropolis construction, get in bamboo scaffolders

Bamboo scaffolders offer speed, cost efficiency and sustainability. And the boom in demand will give the ancient craft a much-needed lifeline.

19 Sep 2025 - 4:30PMvideocam

A scaffolding worker working on Causeway Place at Great George Street, in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, on April 7. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong shelves controversial Lantau reclamation project

Environmental assessment process halted as minister says administration won’t begin project of lower priority than Northern Metropolis.

10 Sep 2025 - 8:47PM

The reclamation project, also known as the Lantau Tomorrow Vision, was originally conceived as Hong Kong’s third central business district. Photo: Martin Chan

Hong Kong culture

Villagers slowly making way for development in Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis

While some communities are having to make way for megaproject, the pace has been slow. Observers are wondering if it will pick up after the policy address, even as government vows to protect indigenous villages.

9 Sep 2025 - 10:19AM

Hong Kong housing

Editorial | Hong Kong’s elderly-friendly design initiative a step in right direction

Measures to help Hongkongers age in place are important for social cohesiveness – and as significant as the transport subsidy for seniors.

28 Aug 2025 - 6:45AM

Hong Kong weather

Warning for Hong Kong hikers in wake of black rainstorm signals, record downpour

Authorities, outdoor bodies and rescue groups warn of soil instability on trails following recent deluge.

9 Aug 2025 - 12:42AMvideocam

One lane on Bride’s Pool Road has been reopened after a landslide earlier this week caused part of the road to collapse. Photo: Sam Tsang

Mergers & Acquisitions

‘Shop King’ Tang Shing-bor’s family sells Hong Kong hotel at throwaway price

A joint venture between Hong Kong developer Wang On and US investment firm Angelo Gordon buys Mong Kok hotel for US$55 million, sources say.

1 Aug 2025 - 5:04PM

An undated photograph of the exterior of Hotel Ease in Mong Kok. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong economy

Firm suspended from bidding for Hong Kong contracts after worker killed on site