Lantau Tomorrow's reclamation to commence in 2026: source

The government will bring forward the reclamation work for the Lantau Tomorrow Vision project, starting it a year early in 2026, said Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po. 

Chan mentioned in his Budget speech that studies related to the artificial islands in the central waters have commenced last June, and expected preliminary proposals will be put forward in the fourth quarter of this year. 

He continued that the government is considering streamlining the procedures to further advance the first phase of reclamation works before the original date of 2027 and the first batch of population intake before 2034. 

According to sources, more documents will be revealed in the briefing of the Legislative Council's Panel on Development next month, including introducing amendment bills to speed up town planning and construction procedures, pushing both reclamation works, and outlining zoning plans simultaneously. 

Sources added it is expected that the reclamation works can commence in 2026, and citizens can move in 2033, while the detailed financing plan will be disclosed in the fourth quarter of this year. 

"We will make financial assessments when conducting relevant studies and explore the use of different approaches and financing options, including bond issuances or public-private partnership, etc., to take forward the projects," Chan said in his speech. 

As for the Northern Metropolis, Chan said the government is striving to formulate development plans for the development areas in San Tin Technopole; Lo Wu/Man Kam To Comprehensive Development Node; Ma Tso Lung; as well as Lau Fau Shan, Tsim Bei Tsui, and Pak Nai within two to three years. 

"We will also step up the implementation of the New Development Areas projects to ensure timely completion of the housing projects," Chan said. 

Chan has set aside HK$100 billion for the infrastructure works related to land, housing, and transportation within the Northern Metropolis in terms of financial arrangements.