Government officials and lawmakers pledged on Thursday to accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis following a site visit by a delegation to the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area and Tin Shui Wai.

They said the tour helped them understand the construction progress and the importance of unlocking land, upgrading transport links, and accelerating housing and industry projects to boost jobs and livability.

Development Secretary Bernadette Linn said Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen is among the first new areas to be developed in the Northern Metropolis, with housing construction already in progress.

Over the next five years, it is expected to supply around 250 hectares of land, about 100 hectares of which will be earmarked for industry, she added.

“We are keen to expedite our works and make it easier for enterprises to set up. Recently, the government has introduced various measures – most notably, we have put forward proposals for dedicated Northern Metropolis legislation,” Linn told reporters.

Legislative Council president Starry Lee said she believes lawmakers will draw on first-hand insights gained from the visit, continue engaging with the government, and gather views from across society to relay to the authorities.

“When the government formally submits the bill to the Legislative Council, lawmakers are expected to scrutinise the legislation seriously, to meet the policy objectives, and at the same time to ensure that the views of the public are incorporated during the process,” she said.



Edited by Thomas McAlinden