Early this month, I attended a charity walk activity as an officiating guest. I took the opportunity to visit Tung Chung and Ngong Ping nearby, and looked out from the cable car at the development of Lantau North. Major projects there include the proposed construction of the third runway for the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), the development of the North Commercial District of the airport, and the further expansion of the Tung Chung New Town. In addition, construction of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) and the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link is due to be completed in the next few years, which will further enhance the role of Lantau as a strategic transport hub connecting Hong Kong with Zhuhai, Macau and other parts of the world.
Lantau is the largest island in Hong Kong, with some 70 per cent of its land being country parks. It also boasts a number of ecologically sensitive areas and areas of high conservation value which are treasured by all of us.
Over the years, the development of Hong Kong has centred on expanding the northern and southern shores of Victoria Harbour, which has turned Hong Kong into a renowned world-class city. In view of the rapid population growth and economic development, we have successively developed nine new towns, which are now home to over 3 million people, since the 1970s. To cope with future population growth and to sustain economic development and improve our living quality, we need an adequate supply of land. Apart from carrying out planning and studies for various New Development Areas that I talked about last week, we have also reviewed the overall development layout of Hong Kong, the existing and planned transport infrastructure, and the development potential and constraints of each district. We believe that Hong Kong’s development should not be limited to only the two shores of Victoria Harbour and the New Territories to its north. Lantau and its eastern waters also have great potential for large-scale development, which will help achieve more balanced and comprehensive development for Hong Kong.
Artificial island for the HZMB
Let’s begin with the location of the HZMB. The artificial island for the HZMB’s Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities has an area of some 130 hectares. Situated near the HKIA, it will serve as the gateway between Hong Kong and the western Pearl River Delta. To grasp the opportunities created by the commissioning of the HZMB in 2016 and to gain the most economic benefits brought about by the increase in foreign and local visitors, we are now exploring options for developing the artificial island for various commercial uses, such as hotels, shopping, dining, entertainment and other facilities, which will let foreign visitors enjoy shopping, accommodation or sight-seeing in Lantau without having to travel to the urban areas. Moreover, the development of the airport’s North Commercial District and the expansion of the Tung Chung New Town, as well as the reclamation and development of Sunny Bay, will all help develop a “bridgehead economy” in Lantau and expand the capacity of tourist facilities in Hong Kong.
To tie in with the commissioning of the HZMB, we plan to conduct a planning, engineering and architectural feasibility study for the artificial island this year to determine the scale of its topside and underground space development. We will also expedite the study and examine in detail the timetable for putting on the market the commercial sites on the island, with a view to developing part of the land as soon as possible. The premise, of course, is that the development will not delay the completion and commissioning of the HZMB, but will maintain the daily operation of the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities.
East Lantau Metropolis
The eastern part of Lantau also has great potential for development. The central waters of Hong Kong, to the east of Lantau, have a lower ecological sensitivity compared with the eastern and western waters. In addition, the eastern waters off Lantau have the geographical advantage of close proximity to the core business district in Central, as they are separated from the Western District of Hong Kong Island only by a narrow stretch of water. We can connect the urban areas with other parts of Lantau through the provision of strategic transport infrastructure.
The construction of an artificial island between eastern Lantau and western Hong Kong Island by reclamation can provide an extensive area of land for holistic and comprehensive planning. Creative ideas for urban planning, design, engineering and construction can be introduced to develop the area into the East Lantau Metropolis, an innovative, liveable, diversified and environmentally friendly community that would become another focal point for the long-term development of Hong Kong. By enhancing the transport infrastructure to connect the area with the existing urban areas, the East Lantau Metropolis can become a new core business district after Central and Kowloon East. It will create synergy together with other development plans such as the commercial development on the artificial island for the HZMB, the airport’s North Commercial District, the proposed Tung Chung New Town Extension and the reclamation proposals for Siu Ho Wan and Sunny Bay, which will in turn scale up Lantau’s development, generate greater and more sustainable economic benefits, increase the business and job opportunities for the Lantau community, and boost the competitiveness of Hong Kong.
To take forward the development of the East Lantau Metropolis, we plan to commence a strategic study this year to explore the feasibility of constructing an artificial island in the central waters between Lantau and Hong Kong Island. In considering and assessing the feasibility of the proposal, we will take into account a wide range of issues, including the impact on marine traffic and port operation and on the natural environment and ecology, as well as connecting transport, construction technology, cost effectiveness and more. Based on the results of the study, we will conduct a detailed planning and engineering study for the East Lantau Metropolis and carry out public consultation in due course.
The development of Lantau is a highly strategic and challenging project. We have to listen to different views, plan ahead with vision, and study and promote the development and conservation of Lantau in a scientific and objective manner. Earlier, we announced the membership of the Lantau Development Advisory Committee, which is composed of members from different sectors including think tanks, representatives of the industries concerned, council members, academics, professionals and the local community. In future, we will collaborate with other relevant bureaux, the Committee and the stakeholders to plan for the development and conservation of this important project for Hong Kong.
26 January, 2014
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