Action plan for four-zone Northern Metropolis nearly ready

Michael Shum

The administration's action agenda to be published "shortly" for the Northern Metropolis will be divided into four major zones, John Lee said.

However, it has sparked concerns that the administration is tilting towards the Northern Metropolis development plan over the Lantau Tomorrow vision, despite Lee saying last year that both will be developed simultaneously.

He said the action agenda will divide the Northern Metropolis into four major zones a high-end professional services and logistics hub, an innovation and technology zone, a boundary commerce and industry zone and a blue and green recreation, tourism and conservation circle from west to east.

The boundary commerce and industry zone will occupy the largest stretch of land and enjoy the geographic advantages of the border control points at Lo Wu, Man Kam To and Heung Yuen Wai.

"Apart from driving the development of industries such as advanced construction, green environment industries, health care, food technology and modern logistics, this zone will promote cross-boundary business services and entertainment spending, giving full play to its powerful function as a border control point commercial zone," Lee said.

The professional services and a logistics hub, which covers Hung Shui Kiu and connects with the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone, will provide financial and professional services and develop a modern logistical hub.

The innovative and technology zone, which will cover the San Tin Technopole in Lok Ma Chau Loop, will create synergy with the Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Zone and serve as a hub for innovation and technology development.

"The blue and green recreation, tourism and conservation circle comprising areas endowed with rich cultural heritage and natural resources, such as Robin's Nest, Sha Tau Kok and Yan Tong Chau will promote recreation and tourism development," Lee said.

He had reviewed the plan to build a public columbarium at Sandy Ridge in the North District, after drawing immense fire from nearby residents.

"The government will change the use of the two-hectare site for I&T and related purposes given the sufficient supply of public niches in the future."

But compared to the six paragraphs in three pages regarding the Northern Metropolis, Lee only had one paragraph pertaining to the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands under the Lantau Tomorrow vision.

Lee said that the administration will set up the Financing of Major Development Projects committee, led by Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, and the Office for the Financing of Major Development Projects to advise on feasible investment and financing options, taking advantage of market capital and efficiency.

The two bodies will assess the feasibility of bringing in private investors for the projects, and evaluate their financial viability to ensure fiscal sustainability.