Chaired by Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, the Working Group on Planning & Development under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis held its first meeting today.

Mr Wong said that to implement the development objectives outlined by the Chief Executive in the 2025 Policy Address and in accordance with the directives of the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis, the working group will strive to establish a comprehensive and efficient mechanism to co-ordinate land development and infrastructure projects in the Northern Metropolis.

This will ensure the timely delivery of land and supporting facilities, strengthen supervision of works projects in the Northern Metropolis, and expedite their approval process.

The working group will also participate in the preparatory work for dedicated legislation for the Northern Metropolis, in respect of accelerating land and infrastructure development.

A dedicated project supervision office has been established under the working group to speed up the approval process for private projects in the Northern Metropolis.

The office reported its work plan at the meeting, aiming to finalise and announce operational details by the end of this year.

Similarly, three dedicated groups overseeing public housing, railways and major roads, as well as other public works projects, will also formulate operational details within this year.

An update on the preparatory work for the dedicated legislation for the Northern Metropolis was also reported during the meeting.

The Chief Executive announced in the 2025 Policy Address the establishment of the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis, led by the Chief Executive, to elevate the decision-making level of Northern Metropolis development.

The Working Group on Planning & Development, which is among the three working groups set up under the committee, will be responsible for co-ordinating and consolidating various tasks across planning, engineering, land, transportation and environmental protection, ensuring the timely provision of the required land and supporting facilities, including infrastructure.

The working group is committed to strengthening the co-ordination and supervision of the project approval process in the Northern Metropolis, with a view to reducing cost and saving time by accelerating the approval process.