The Executive Council on Friday gave its blessing to the San Tin Technopole development despite a judicial challenge to the project.

The plan includes three draft outline zoning plans for San Tin Technopole, Mai Po and Fairview Park, as well as Ngau Tam Mei.

The High Court last month granted an application to a legal challenge targeting the environmental impact assessment report.

In a statement, the Development Bureau emphasised that it would still press ahead with the project despite the judicial review.

It pointed out that studies and consultations were conducted based on laws and regulations.

"The project also carries strategic importance to innovation and technology (I&T) development, and there is a strong voice in society for accelerating I&T development without further delay," a spokesman said.

"The government is striving to promote the development of the Northern Metropolis as a strategic growth area, pressing ahead with various land development, infrastructure and housing projects to address the needs of society, people's livelihood and economic development."

It will seek funding from the Legislative Council Finance Committee by the end of this year for the first batch of site formation and infrastructure work, which will not involve pond filling.

The government aims to complete site formation for the first batch of I&T sites in 2026.

Meanwhile, the Town Planning Board says the decision provides a statutory planning frameworks for the three sites.

The San Tin Technopole plan was first unveiled by former chief executive Carrie Lam in 2021.

The government says the hub, which borders Shenzhen, will create 160,000 jobs and homes for 50,000 households.

New Territories North West lawmaker Holden Chow of the DAB welcomed the decision to go ahead with the project, which he described as a "big step forward".

"We have been talking about the Northern Metropolis for a long time, but I think people expect to see some concrete facilities to be built," he said.

"I think the news announced today would convince the public that the government is pressing ahead at full steam. I believe that we have been working on this, and people are looking forward to new industries, advanced technology, innovation... so I think today, I believe is a big step forward."

Chow stressed that sufficient accommodation is crucial in attracting people to work in a specific area.

"For people, especially for the global talent that we are about to attract, you must provide decent and enough residential units for them to live near where they work. And also provide sufficient education facilities for their kids," he said.

"Because this is very important for the talent, for them to consider whether they will move to Hong Kong."
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Last updated: 2024-09-20 HKT 14:28