Policy Address

140. The Government will seek funding for the first-stage of San Tin Technopole's infrastructure and begin construction works this year. The target is to deliver about 20 hectares of new I&T sites in phases, beginning in 2026-27, for the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation's development and operation. In addition, the second-phase of the Yuen Long South NDA will begin in mid-2025. The preliminary development proposal for Ngau Tam Mei will be announced shortly, with land reserved for developing the Northern Metropolis University Town, the third medical school and an integrated teaching hospital. This will be followed by the announcement of the preliminary development proposals for the New Territories North New Town and the Ma Tso Lung area before end this year. The rezoning process for Sandy Ridge in the North District will begin this year, expanding its I&T sites to 10 hectares for use as data centres and related purposes.

141. We are exploring the establishment of a pilot industrial park by granting some of the logistics sites in the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen NDA to a company established and led by the Government. The company will, in accordance with the Government's industrial policies, be responsible for formulating the park's development and operation strategies (including considering whether to accept strategic investment), taking up day-to-day management and attracting businesses and investment. We will announce the details in the first quarter of next year. Separately, we will consider flexible disposal approaches for industry land to meet the development needs of individual industries, with a view to driving industry development.

142. To expedite development of the Northern Metropolis, the Government will adopt, on a pilot basis, a large-scale land-disposal approach, under which sizable land parcels with commercial value and earmarked for provision of community facilities will be selected and granted to successful bidders for collective development. This approach can speed up development of the land parcels, enabling a more co-ordinated design for the area. We have identified three land parcels, each of 10 to 20 hectares, as pilot sites.