While unveiling his 2023 Policy Address, Chief Executive John Lee said upon full development, the Northern Metropolis will provide about 500,000 new housing units and create 500,000 new jobs.

Given that the Northern Metropolis is a new engine for Hong Kong’s future growth, apart from providing about 500,000 new housing units, it will also create 500,000 new jobs once it is completely developed.

Mr Lee emphasised that adopting an “industry driven and infrastructure led” approach as its key planning axle, the Northern Metropolis will forge a major hub for Hong Kong to integrate into the country’s overall development.

Northern Metropolis Action Agenda 

The Chief Executive shared that the Government will shortly publish the Action Agenda for the Northern Metropolis. Such an agenda will integrate deeply with the planning of Shenzhen and other Greater Bay Area cities. 

He explained that from the west to the east, the Northern Metropolis will be divided into four major zones.

“High-end professional services and logistics hub - Covering Hung Shui Kiu and the surrounding area, and connecting with the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Co-operation Zone, the hub will provide financial and professional services, on top of capitalising on the locational advantages of the boundary control points (BCPs) for developing the modern logistics industry;

“Innovation and technology (I&T) zone - Covering San Tin Technopole including the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation & Technology Park in the Loop, it will create synergy with the Shenzhen Innovation & Technology Zone and serve as a hub for I&T development;

“Boundary commerce and industry zone - Occupying the largest stretch of land, this zone enjoys the geographic advantages of the BCPs at Lo Wu, Man Kam To and Heung Yuen Wai. Apart from driving the development of industries such as advanced construction, green environment industries, health care, food technology and modern logistics, this zone will promote cross boundary business services and entertainment spending, giving full play to its powerful function as a BCP commercial zone; and

“Blue and green recreation, tourism and conservation circle - Comprising areas endowed with rich cultural heritage and natural resources, such as Robin’s Nest, Sha Tau Kok and Yan Chau Tong, this circle will promote recreation and tourism development.”

Mr Lee pointed out that the Northern Metropolis will be steered towards the development of different industries to promote economic and social development.

Such initiatives include reserving sites in Hung Shui Kiu and the New Territories North New Town for the development of post-secondary institutions; reserving sites in Kwu Tung North and Hung Shui Kiu for government office buildings; and providing iconic cultural and arts facilities in San Tin Technopole and New Territories North. The Government will also reserve sites in the Northern Metropolis for the development of international schools to meet the education needs of non‑local families.

With regard to leveraging market forces to expedite the development of the Northern Metropolis, Mr Lee noted that the Government will extend the “Enhanced Conventional New Town Approach” to all New Development Areas and improve its operational arrangements.

Hetao Co-operation Zone

The Chief Executive also highlighted the importance of the development of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone.

“The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will render its full support and work with the Shenzhen Municipal Government to foster the synergistic development of the Hong Kong Park and the Shenzhen Park.” The two governments will explore measures to provide travel convenience for research and development personnel, facilitate cross-boundary capital flow within the co-operation zone, and facilitate data and sample exchanges for research purposes.

Apart from stressing that the spatial planning of the Northern Metropolis will align with the development positioning of the Hetao Co-operation Zone, Mr Lee added that it will also fully integrate with the strategy on enhancing Hong Kong’s I&T competitiveness to pave the way for the zone’s future development.