Introduction

The Pak Shek Kok development area (about 118 hectares) is located between Sha Tin and Tai Po to the immediate north of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. It comprises the existing Tolo Highway transport corridor, on-going public filling site to its seaward side, and the land previously formed to the west of the KCRC railway.

Planning work for Pak Shek Kok development was completed in August 1998. Major proposed land uses include a Science Park, private residential and strategic recreational development, educational and other community facilities. Upon full development in 2016, Pak Shek Kok area will accommodate a population of about 12 000 and will create some 20 000 jobs.

Reclamation

The Civil Engineering Department is responsible for the overall reclamation work at Pak Shek Kok. The land (about 74 hectares) will be reclaimed using public fill in three stages. Reclamation for the Science Park site at the southern part of the area was completed in December 1999. The housing sites in the northern part are being formed for completion in early 2001. The remaining reclamation in the middle will commence in July 2000 for completion by end 2002. The total cost of the reclamation works is about $600 million.

Building Development

The Science Park will be developed in three phases. The construction of the first phase started in February 2000 and will be completed for progressive operation from end 2001. The Director-General of Industry plans to open the remaining part of Science Park phase 1 in 2003, to be followed by phase 2 in 2004 and phase 3 in 2007. The four private residential sites (about 9.2 hectares) located in the northern part of Pak Shek Kok development are scheduled for disposal from 2003 to 2006. However, the three northern most sites have been recently identified as the most suitable site in the territory for an Athletes' Village, due to its ideal environment and easy accessibility from most sporting venues. If Hong Kong is successful in the bid to host the 2006 Asian Games, the disposal of these sites will need to be advanced to 2001 so that the Athletes' Village can be completed by June 2006.

Engineering Infrastructure Works

The Territory Development Department started the construction of the advance engineering works (including southern access phase 1 and the northern access) in October 1999. The southern access and associated engineering infrastructure will serve the opening of the Science Park phase 1 in end 2001. The northern access will provide a construction access to facilitate reclamation for the remaining areas at Pak Shek Kok. The estimated cost of the advance works is about $300 million.

The remaining engineering infrastructure to serve the full planned developments at Pak Shek Kok (including the residential development and Science Park phases 2 and 3), will be implemented in two packages. The package 1 works to serve the three northern most housing sites are expected to start in May 2002 and will be completed in 2004. The package 2 works to serve the remaining developments in Pak Shek Kok will follow in late 2003 for completion in 2006. The total cost of these works is about $700 million.

Planning Strategy

Pak Shek Kok faces Tolo Harbour to the east and is dominated by dramatic hillslopes and ridgelines in other directions. A stepped height concept is adopted for the proposed developments to optimise harbour views, avoid visual monotony and to merge harmoniously with the natural environment. The proximity to Tolo Harbour provides an unique opportunity to create a dynamic employment and recreation oriented waterfront community. The proposed waterfront promenades, cycle path, landing steps and the strategic recreation site are possible recreation focal points and magnets that will attract the citizens of Hong Kong to this unique place. The northern part of Pak Shek Kok is planned to supply sites for higher income housing for the eastern New Territories.

Epilogue

The proposed Science Park at Pak Shek Kok is a flagship project demonstrating Hong Kong's committed move into high technology. The educational-scientific-research-recreational theme engenders an image of a park like, high quality environment for this development. With the concerted efforts of all concerned departments, we look forward to see the timely completion of this prestigious development in the few years to come.

article