Hong Kong launches plan to turn Lau Fau Shan near city’s border with Shenzhen into technology, eco-tourism hub

“It will involve different land uses and make the whole model financially viable … I believe it will be attractive for markets,” she said.

The bureau brushed aside concerns that the area would become a real estate project if developers were involved in district planning. It said the government would play a leading role in setting development parameters and ensuring proper land use and pledged to issue open tenders for the area.

The spokeswoman added that it was too early to determine the construction costs involved, as the private sector might help to develop the area.

The government has been encouraging developers to take part in new projects to reduce costs and boost land premium income.

The 411-hectare plan covers Lau Fau Shan, Tsim Bei Tsui and Pak Nai. It falls under the Northern Metropolis initiative, which aims to develop 30,000 hectares of land in the northern New Territories close to the city’s border with Shenzhen.

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Fifteen hectares of the land have been earmarked for the construction of digital technology facilities, with a gross floor area of 380,000 square metres set aside for the digital economy, where companies will be able to provide application-based technology solutions to traditional industries.

Two eco-tourism nodes will be set up in coastal areas in Tsim Bei Tsui and Pak Nai, featuring resorts, weekend markets and camping sites.

Authorities said they were also aiming to set up a coastal protection park along the 10.7-km coastline but its size could only be confirmed after the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department completed their study later this year.