Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor today issued the last "policy address" in his term. Housing and land policy is the highlight, and the focus on New Territories North has been "sharpening" as expected by the outside world.
In her report, Carrie Lam proposed to build a "Northern Metropolis" covering an area of 300 square kilometers, covering Yuen Long District and North District. Together with the existing 390,000 residential units in the district, it is estimated that the entire development area will provide 905,000 after completion. To 926,000 units, a total of 2.5 million people can live.
At the same time, the area will also attract companies to settle in and create jobs, making it "the most active area for urban construction and population growth in Hong Kong in the next 20 years."
Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor mentioned in the "Policy Address" that the northern metropolitan area includes mature new towns such as Tin Shui Wai, Yuen Long and Fanling/Sheung Shui and their adjacent rural areas, and there are six areas under different planning and construction. The new development areas and development hubs at this stage include Kwu Tung North/Fanling North, Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Village, Yuen Long South, San Tin/Lok Ma Chau, Man Kam To and New Territories North New Town.
The government will simultaneously announce the "Northern Metropolis Development Strategy" today.
Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said that the "Development Strategy" is the first strategic program compiled by the Hong Kong government under the framework of "One Country, Two Systems" that crosses the administrative boundaries of Shenzhen and Hong Kong in terms of spatial concepts and strategic thinking, and fully considers the national "14th Five-Year Plan". Outline and "Comprehensively Deepening the Reform and Opening Plan of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone."
"Hong Kong 01" received news that the government will propose to add a Deputy Secretary for Administration to be responsible for the development of New Territories North.
Carrie Lam also pointed out that there are seven cross-border land ports in the northern metropolitan area, describing them as the most important area in Hong Kong to promote the development of Hong Kong-Shenzhen integration and link the Greater Bay Area.
The integration and expansion in the area will be driven by railways as the main backbone of the transportation system, including the construction of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Railway linking Hongshuiqiao/Xiacun to Shenzhen Qianhai, and the Northern Ring Road connecting the Xinhuanggang Port and the East Railway. The line extends to Luohu, Tsim Bei Tsui to Pak Nai MRT system, etc.
Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said that Hong Kong and Shenzhen are currently interacting closely to form a spatial pattern of "two cities and three circles". The "two cities" refer to Hong Kong and Shenzhen; the "three circles" are Shenzhen Bay's high-quality development zone and Hong Kong and Shenzhen are closely connected. Interactive Circle and Dapeng Bay/Yinzhoutang Ecological Recreation and Tourism Circle.
She described that the establishment of the spatial concept of "two cities and three circles" is conducive to the Hong Kong and Shenzhen governments to jointly promote the close cooperation between the two places in economy, infrastructure, innovation and technology, people's livelihood and ecological environment.
One of the purposes of urban planning is to help the city solve development problems and create a livable life for people by making the most appropriate layout for the functions of different areas of the city.
"Hong Kong 01" pointed out earlier that if the Hong Kong government wants to reverse the predicament, it must get rid of its vested interests and wealth layout, re-plan the land, and build more commercial centers, which is conducive to organic integration with cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
For example, creating a new economic center in the New Territories, completely reversing the extremely uneven development structure, and comprehensively building an economic chain from "daily commuting" to "industrial planning" to release the productivity and creativity of the entire city and re-empower Hong Kong's economy. can......
For details, please read the 285th "Hong Kong 01" Electronic Weekly Newsletter (October 04, 2021) "Expectations
for Lam Cheng's Final Policy Address-Regaining the Leading Power of Development and Reconstructing the Land Economic Structure
".
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