Secretary for Education Cai Ruolian stated yesterday (26th) that after on-site inspections and understanding the latest progress of the Northern Metropolis University Town development, approximately 100 hectares of land have been reserved for the entire university town development. This includes about 9 hectares in the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area (Hung Shui Kiu), about 52 hectares in the Ngau Tam Mei New Development Area (Ngau Tam Mei), and about 40 hectares in the New Territories North New Town (New Territories North), with the aim of developing a hub for higher education, international education, and high-end talent concentration.

Cai Ruolian mentioned that the main focus of the inspection was Zone 31A in Hung Shui Kiu, which is expected to be leveled by the end of 2026, i.e., by the end of this year. The progress of the on-site works is very good, and there is confidence that the land leveling will be completed by the end of this year. Simultaneously, in planning the development of the university town, since Hung Shui Kiu is the first phase of the university town land to be launched, the proposed that three university town education sites in Hung Shui Kiu will be launched within this year. Additionally, the land in Hung Shui Kiu has been increased from the initially planned 5.2 hectares to today's 9 hectares. Currently, 9 hectares of land have been reserved in Hung Shui Kiu, and these three plots will be launched within the year.

Simultaneously, the also proposed a loan reserve of HKD10 billion for institutions to apply for loans. Since the development of the entire Northern Metropolis University Town is self-financed, the construction project expenditures of institutions are substantial, and it is understood that institutions need loan support for project expenditures. The loan amount is expected not to exceed 50% of their project costs. Hung Shui Kiu serves as the first phase of development, and the third medical school commissioned by the government to be run by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology will be located in Ngau Tam Mei, where a hospital is also planned, making Ngau Tam Mei the second phase of the university town development, which will include advanced frontier medical education and life science research.

She also mentioned that another part, the 40 hectares of land in New Territories North, will be coordinated with industry linkage. The teaching facilities of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts will be in New Territories North, and future cultural and artistic development will also be jointly developed with institutions in New Territories North. The newly developed Northern Metropolis land is expected to expand capacity for higher education or international education hubs, providing more space for development, collaborating with renowned institutions domestically and internationally on courses, the latest research, and cooperative projects, supporting future innovation and technology development and the gathering of high-end talent. (hc/da)



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