Chief Executive John Lee said on Monday newly-formed working groups to speed up development of the Northern Metropolis should get things going as soon as possible.

This came as he chaired the inaugural meeting of the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis.

The high-level panel was established under this year’s Policy Address to accelerate the mega infrastructure project.

Three specialised working groups have been formed under the committee: one to devise development and operation models; another to plan and construct a university town; and the last to focus on managing the end-to-end process from planning to implementation.

Lee instructed the groups to also submit working plans to the committee and come up with proposals for short-term projects.

Northern Metropolis is a new engine for the SAR’s economic development, and it’s an urgent and strategic priority to accelerate its development in an efficient manner, Lee said.