The Chief Executive in Council has approved the draft San Tin Technopole Outline Zoning Plan (OZP), the draft Mai Po and Fairview Park OZP and the draft Ngau Tam Mei OZP.
The approval provides a statutory planning framework for taking forward the San Tin Technopole (except the Loop with approved statutory planning earlier) and the Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park (SPS WCP).
A spokesman for the Development Bureau said today (Sept. 20) that, with the completion of the statutory planning process, the Government will press ahead with the San Tin Technopole and related projects. Although the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for San Tin Technopole is under the challenge of a judicial review, the project is underpinned by comprehensive and professional studies and extensive consultation in accordance with the laws and regulations.
"Besides, the Government has been emphasizing 'co-existence of development and conservation'. One of the goals of establishing the SPS WCP is to achieve no-net-loss in the ecological function and capacity arising from development. When we apply for the funding of works towards the end of this year, we will bundle it with the funding application for the design work of the SPS WCP Phase 1."
The spokesman stressed that the funding application for the first batch of works will not involve pond filling. As committed earlier, the Government will not start the pond filling works before the commencement of works for the SPS WCP in 2026/27.
Other preparatory work includes the formulation of the Planning and Design Brief (PDB), which will be submitted to the Town Planning Board for approval after consultation with relevant stakeholders. The PDB will provide more detailed development guidance for the relevant I&T sites.
The San Tin Technopole is the flagship project of the Northern Metropolis. Together with the Loop, there is a total area of about 600 hectares, half of which are I&T land. The San Tin Technopole will provide about 160,000 employment opportunities, about 50,000 flats, as well as comprehensive transport infrastructures and community facilities.
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