The government on Monday said it has set up an office to co-ordinate efforts to turn northern parts of the New Territories into an innovation and technology hub.

It said the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office will formulate and announce an action agenda and an implementation plan for the development within this year.

Vic Yau, the director of the Preparatory Office for Northern Metropolis and a former deputy development secretary, has been appointed as head of the new office.

The Development Bureau said the new office will co-ordinate the project that covers land development, housing supply, transport infrastructure, ecological conservation, development of industries and government facilities.

The office is tasked with strengthening co-ordination of relevant bureaux and departments, formulating innovative planning and lands policies to support new industries and advising senior echelons on development strategies for the Northern Metropolis.

It will also enhance collaboration with mainland authorities, as well as promote public engagement on the development.