Tech hub and eco-paradise in Lau Fau Shan makeover

Wallis Wang

Lau Fau Shan will be developed into a technology and eco-tourism destination, with authorities planning a 4.8-kilometer promenade and a two-hectare waterfront performance site.

The Development Bureau revealed yesterday that 115 hectares of 411-hectare Lau Fau Shan - a western area in the Northern Metropolis - will be reserved for economic uses such as a digital technology hub, tourism, logistics and data centers.

Hong Kong Cyberport Management has been invited to establish the hub, which will focus on application-based technologies and help firms that adopt traditional business modes to transform digitally.

"Given its experience in nurturing the largest digital community of over 2,000 start-ups and companies in Hong Kong covering fintech, smart living and related professional services, Cyberport is best placed to plan for another landing ground of high-value and digital technology companies at Lau Fau Shan," the bureau said.

Authorities have reserved 15 hectares of land for Cyberport to set up digital technology facilities.

Lau Fau Shan will also be developed into an eco-tourism destination with two major sites.

Deep Bay and the adjacent Ramsar wetlands at Tsim Bei Tsui will allow outdoor adventure and glamping, while the coastal area of Pak Nai will accommodate hotels, resorts and eco-lodges.

A 4.8km promenade along the coastal area between Pak Nai and Tsim Bei Tsui will be for sightseeing as well as cycling and leisure walks.

And a performance venue within the waterfront open space fronting the tech hub will be built to host shows. Authorities will also study revitalizing the Lau Fau Shan seafood market to attract tourists.

"There are many mainland customers with high spending power, and we aim to attract them to the area apart from attracting Hongkongers," a bureau spokeswoman said.

"We hope to build hotels and resorts there and attract tourists to stay overnight through natural ecology and various tourism elements."

Authorities will conduct an environmental impact assessment of the area with regard to the proposed developments and propose mitigation measures if needed.

According to the bureau, areas proposed to build hotels, resorts and weekend markets are mostly of low to moderate ecological value, while areas of high ecological value will be protected by buffer zones.

The Lau Fau Shan area can accommodate 141,000 to 146,000 people with 48,000 to 53,000 flats.

It can also create around 50,000 job opportunities, including 12,000 in the IT sector and 10,000 in tourism.

The development of Lau Fau Shan will also facilitate the nearby Tin Shui Wai area.

The 2.7-km Tin Shui Wai River flanking the two areas will be beautified and revitalized with new footbridges and upgraded cycle tracks.

With the new connection the Tin Shui Wai community is expected to have better access to job opportunities, housing choices, and recreational and community facilities amid a more vibrant living environment.

The bureau will consult the Legislative Council panel on development of the plan on Tuesday before commencing a two-month public engagement exercise starting on March 6.

It will host publicity events, including exhibitions and briefing sessions to collect opinions from stakeholders, including in the hotel, tourism, agriculture and fisheries sectors.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com