Concerned architects call for more details on mega-island plan

Nearly half of the 920 members of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects are against the government's Kau Yi Chau artificial island mega-development plan, according to the institute's president Benny Chan Chak-bun.

"The opposition stems from concerns about the potential irreversible damage to the environment, particularly the marine ecosystem, as well as worries about the government's affordability and transportation connections to the island," Chan said.

Less than 20 percent of the respondents supported the plan, while 27 percent remained neutral, and 7 percent lacked knowledge about the development plan.

Chan said yesterday, that the institute would support, in principle, the continuation of the government's study on the construction of the artificial island but called on the government to provide more information to address citizens' concerns.

He specifically urged the government to release details about the cost efficiency of the project, including land reclamation costs and expected revenue from land sales.

"We hope the government can disclose long-term benefits such as projected increases in tax revenue and the potential to address the city's housing problem."

Chan said the institute had not received much information about the livability and urban design of the island. As a result, they plan to engage in discussions and provide opinions to relevant authorities.

Regarding his personal opinion, Chan expressed support for the continuation of the government study into the possibility of constructing the artificial islands. However, he said it would be difficult for him to decide whether to support the development plan without the study's results.

He also said adjustments might be necessary depending on the outcome of the study, suggesting that the government should abandon the plan if it does not align with the study's findings.

Earlier, Heung Yee Kuk proposed suspending the Kau Yi Chau plan and prioritizing the development of the Northern Metropolis. Speculations arose that the government might be abandoning the Kau Yi Chau plan, as it was not mentioned prominently in Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu's two policy addresses since taking office.

However, the government has repeatedly stated that it has not given up on either of the two mega-development plans.