Detailed plans ‘not needed’ from companies keen on Hong Kong tech hub: government
- Official says firms should not be deterred from project’s attractiveness, but Town Planning Board member questions lack of oversight
Companies wanting to set up shop in Hong Kong’s proposed innovation hub near the border with mainland China may be asked to submit detailed design plans to the Town Planning Board for approval, according to a government official who has argued such requirements would reduce the project’s attractiveness.
But a board member on Wednesday questioned the appropriateness of bypassing the statutory body, with green groups also urging the government to improve environmental designs in the 600-hectare (1,483-acre) San Tin Technopole to protect a native otter species categorised as “near threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
At a public hearing held by the board, Planning Department official Ng Kim-wai said the government could only impose restrictions on sites after it had confirmed which specific companies would set up in the project, half of which has been earmarked for the innovation and technology (I&T) sector.
He said the government would “consult” the board on its “planning and design brief” which lists details of individual sites that corporations should follow in their building designs, but board approval might not be required for the companies to develop their facilities.
“The I&T companies do not specialise in development issues. If we request them to follow [too] many town planning and design restrictions to realise their development, it will reduce the project’s attractiveness,” said Ng, a district planner.
