379 plots resumed for mega project

The Lands Department yesterday invoked the Land Resumption Ordinance to take back 19 hectares of land from 379 private lots for the first phase of a mega development plan in Yuen Long South

The first of three phases of the Yuen Long South Development under the Northern Metropolis plan is critical to the smooth implementation of the whole Yuen Long development, which will provide 32,900 homes for 98,700 people by 2038, the department said.

All 379 plots will be reverted to the government on August 20, with ex-gratia land compensation offered to the land owners.

"We will endeavor to complete the follow-up work of the relevant cases before clearance commences," said the department.

It reminded affected households and businesses in the resumption area that they are not required to move out before the land reversion date.

They should note the departure deadlines - ranging from the fourth quarter this year to the first quarter next year - as indicated in the letters issued by the department in February.

After resuming the land, the government will start site formation construction and engineering infrastructure work for public housing.

It will also build multistory buildings for brownfield operations, village resite areas, public open spaces and areas reserved for environmentally friendly transport services.

The Development Bureau submitted a funding request to the Legislative Council's finance committee last month for HK$7.37 billion for the whole development.

The site work is expected to start this year and be completed in 2038.

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com