San Tin and Hung Shui Kiu University Town's planning receives priority

The government says it will prioritise the development of San Tin and Hung Shui Kiu University Town within the Northern Metropolis. Northern Metropolis is also one of the three innovation and technology parks under the city's Five-Year Plan.

The Northern Metropolis will consist of three university towns, namely San Tin, Hung Shui Kiu and Ta Kwu Ling. A 300-hectare campus area will be connected to the surrounding areas, expanding the overall planned sites to more than 1,000 hectares.

Chief Executive John Lee says the development will adopt a construction concept of  "One Town, Five elements."

"There will be a campus area, a technology area and an industry area. There will be five elements in one town, and the five elements being education, technology, industry, talent and urban development."

Resident Alexander says " It's a good idea because you can develop many students and many professionals."

San Tin and Hung Shui Kiu's planning will be prioritised: San Tin's infrastructure development will take place in the coming five years and the town will focus on fields such as AI, life and health technology and robotics. Hung Shui Kiu campus area's site allocation will commence this year, while institutions will move in the area by 2027 and 2028. Ta Kwu Ling will integrate arts and blue green development elements and support the development of emerging and traditional industries.

The Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town led by the Chief Secretary for Administration will become the Committee on Construction and Development of the University Town and will include non-official expert members.

The government will provide financial support to institutions, including land premium and loan exemption. Authorities initially allocated a loan of 10 billion dollars for institutions to apply for campus construction, it is understood that the sum is wholly reserved for Hung Shui Kiu, and the other two university towns will receive other sums.

Meanwhile, the Policy Address states about 1,400 hectares of "spade-ready sites" will be produced in the coming five years to meet the demand for economic development and housing needs. Around 1,000 hectares will come from the Northern Metropolis.