Published by the SAR Government earlier, “Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030” aims to update Hong Kong’s territorial development strategy to meet changes and challenges of the future.
To keep abreast of times, the territorial development strategy for Hong Kong comes under government review every ten years. The last review led to the publication of Hong Kong 2030: Planning Vision and Strategy in 2007.
Rising up to internal and external challenges
Land and infrastructure planning is never an overnight process. Hong Kong 2030+ looks far ahead to procure a long-term plan for Hong Kong’s economic and livelihood development. Paul Chan, the then Secretary for Development, points out that the government will increase land supply by various means and the medium to long term development strategy is beginning to yield positive results. The government has secured supply sources for close to 600,000 residential units, which will be fulfilled progressively in the future to alleviate the long-standing housing crunch.
Chan indicates that while concentrating efforts to increase land supply internally, Hong Kong is also dealing with changes and challenges externally. We are actively promoting and engaging in regional economic integration. For example, the completion of the Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge will open up a transport network that links Hong Kong with the western Pearl River Delta region. Another example of furthering regional collaboration is the Hong Kong/Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park at the Lok Ma Chau Loop. A memorandum of understand was signed by Hong Kong and Shenzhen for their joint development earlier. He stresses that Hong Kong 2030+ will provide measures to strengthen regional docking and make Hong Kong an Asia Pacific hub.
Overcoming the development bottleneck
Phyllis Li, Assistant Director of Planning, presents Hong Kong 2030+ in detail. She admits that Hong Kong is now experiencing a development bottleneck due to inadequate land and infrastructure. The government will strive to solve land shortage problems faced by all industries within the economy and develop infrastructure and supporting facilities timely. Railway will remain the backbone of the public transport system and efforts will be directed at expanding economic capacity to meet unknown economic opportunities or challenges.
Maximizing effectiveness of strategic positioning
Under the framework of Hong Kong 2030+, the traditional central business district (CBD) on Hong Kong Island will be further strengthened. The focus will be on high valued-added financial services and advanced business support services. Kowloon East will become the second metropolitan CBD that addresses the issue of commercial activities being excessively concentrated around Central. In the East Lantau Metropolis, west of Hong Kong Island, a pivot of intelligent financial and other business support services will be developed. Li points out that the metropolitan business core formed by the three CBDs mentioned above can create synergy to reinforce Hong Kong’s position as an international financial center, while creating startup, value enhancement and expansion opportunities for businesses.
Also, both the East Lantau Metropolis and New Territories North are strategic growth districts. By means of reclamation, rezoning and developing underutilized land, these two districts can provide about 1,000 hectares and 720 hectares of land respectively to house 650,000 to 1,050,000 people and create nearly 400,000 jobs. Li hopes to see an adequate supply of business and residential land from these strategic growth districts. Providing both economic momentum and quality living environment, such development would help balance the geographical distribution of home and work.
Li further points out that three development axes ― the Western Economic Corridor, the Eastern Knowledge and Technology Corridor and the Northern Economic Belt ― will be developed by strategic positioning to make best use of geographical advantages and to create synergy. She explains that as an international portal New Territories West has a significant advantage. Together with the development of Hung Shui Kiu, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long South and North Lantau, it will form a new platform for growth. New Territories East, on the other hand, should capitalize on its high-tech industry and tertiary education clusters, developing more knowledge and technology facilities in Tsuen Kwan O, Lok Ma Chau Loop and Ma Liu Shui. Covering six existing and one developing cross-border corridors, New Territories North is a favorable site for warehousing, scientific research, modern logistics and other emerging sectors to support future development of the district.
Since publishing Hong Kong 2030+, the government has initiated a series of public engagement events, including exhibitions and seminars. The public is encouraged to express views on ways to create spaces for Hong Kong’s sustainable development.
