A delegation led by the Governor of Hunan Province, Mr Du Jiahao, attended a seminar on planning and development of new towns in Hong Kong today (June 3). The delegation shared experiences with representatives of the Development Bureau and the Planning Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in town planning strategy, processes and urban development.
The Secretary for Development, Mr Paul Chan, and the Director of Planning, Mr Ling Kar-kan, attended the seminar. Mr Chan told the participants that the development model in Hong Kong is characterised by its intensiveness, high density and mixed land uses, integrating residential, commercial and supporting facilities to maximise the use of limited land resources. This has effectively contained urban sprawl. The developed area accounts for only about a quarter of the overall land area of Hong Kong, he added.
Mr Chan pointed out that Hong Kong also adopts the "transit-oriented development" mode, with about 40 per cent of households and the working population, and 75 per cent of commercial and office floor space, located within 500 metres of railway stations. The nine new towns accommodate nearly half of the population of Hong Kong and help alleviate overcrowding in the urban areas, and meet the different needs of society, including schools, and facilities for recreational, commercial and industrial purposes.
He said the Government will continue to plan and develop the new generation of new towns, emphasising planning concepts such as sustainable development, low-carbon environmental protection, people-oriented development and quality urban design.
The delegation from Hunan said that the Hong Kong experience in planning and development of new towns is a good reference for them.
Before attending the seminar, the delegation visited new town areas at Tsing Yi and Tung Chung. They were briefed by officials from the Planning Department on the planning and design concepts, features and developments of new towns.
Looking ahead, both sides hoped to have more opportunities to share experiences, exchange views and collaborate in town planning and urban development.
Ends/Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:15
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