Work begins at three sites in Northern Metropolis

Construction has started in three new development areas of the Northern Metropolis, with land planning proposals for other areas to be made public within the next year, says Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho.

Linn told lawmakers yesterday that construction at Kwu Tung North and Fanling North, Hung Shui Kiu and Ha Tsuen, and Yuen Long South within the Northern Metropolis kicked off.

"Other major development areas are currently under the planning study stage, among which the land use proposal for San Tin Technopole was released earlier this year," Linn said.

Other areas are undergoing land planning procedures around Lau Fau Shan, Tsim Bei Tsui and Pak Nai areas, new town areas of New Territories North, Ngau Tam Mei and Ma Tso Lung. The land use proposals will be released in phases within the coming year.

"After public engagement, the government will conduct detailed design of the works, arrange phasing for implementation and make estimations on the expenditure based on the confirmed land use planning as soon as possible," Linn added.

"When formulating the works schedules and phasing arrangements, the government will fully consider such factors as the project priority, financing arrangements, implications on public finance and the manpower capacity of the market."

On the development plan's finances, Linn said the Northern Metropolis will bring a huge economic benefit and financial revenue, improving its competitiveness and living quality.

Linn added: "We have always emphasized that the government takes the lead in planning and implementation of the development of Northern Metropolis, while the government also welcomes the active participation."

The committee on the financing of major development projects held its first meeting on Friday to assess the feasibility of bringing in investment projects within the district.

"The government has set up specific departments responsible for attracting businesses and investment, mainly the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises and Invest Hong Kong," she said. "The Northern Metropolis Coordination Office will continue to work closely with other relevant bureaus and departments in taking forward the industry developments in the area."

Federation of Trade Unions lawmaker Michael Luk Chung-hung said: "Can the government roll out special bonds, allowing people to either make one-off payments or pay in installments? After buying these bonds, those people will have priority to purchase the public flats."

Linn said: "The government is aware of the proposal to link the bonds with the chance of future flat purchases," adding that they will analyze the matter further.

The administration will also roll out measures to assist brown field owners who will see their land being reverted back to the government, including cash compensation and assistance to relocate to either another piece of land or into an industrial building, she said.

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com