1 week Ago By Hans Tse
Hong Kong has invited developers to submit proposals for three “eco-tourism” sites, including one on Lamma Island, which could be used for building resorts and other recreational facilities.The ex-Lamma Island quarry area. File photo: GovHK.
The Development Bureau last week invited “the market to submit expressions of interest within three months” for developing the ex-Lamma quarry site; Tsim Bei Tsui and Pak Nai in the Northern Metropolis; and four areas along the southern coastal area on Lantau Island, which the government called the “South Lantau Eco-recreation Corridor.”“This is the first time in recent years that the government has initiated large-scale land disposal for the building of new tourism and recreation areas,” according to a Development Bureau press release issued on Wednesday.“All three projects are on islands or coastal destinations in rural settings with rich natural resources and water bodies,” the release added.
The Lamma Island site will be the first project in the pipeline, with land tendering expected in the second half of next year, according to a Development Bureau document accompanying the press release.The site – a disused quarry on Lamma Island covering an area of around 25 hectares, including a five-hectare artificial lake – would be “suitable for development as a high-end lakefront and hillside resort,” the bureau said.It would be accompanied by a marina, as well as low-density luxury housing, it added.
A screenshot of a 2012 policy document about the development plan of the ex-Lamma Island quarry area. File photo: screenshot.The bureau also said the project on Lamma would be sold to one single developer to facilitate a “coordinated and holistic design.
”Doris Ho, permanent secretary for development (planning and lands), told a Commercial Radio programme last week that a preliminary study showed the project would be financially viable despite being shelved for more than a decade.A plan to develop the Lamma Island quarry was introduced in 2012 but was dropped two years later after market research found low investment sentiment due to the lack of transport and infrastructure at the site, according to Ming Pao.Ho said the projects would allow developers to prioritise “money-making” items, such as building hotels and residential housing, for a quicker return on investment, but authorities would also ensure the construction of tourism facilities.
“The government can assume a leading role, such as by specifying the order of development in the land lease,” Ho said in Cantonese.According to the bureau’s plan, the Lamma site can offer 1,100 units of low-density housing.The marina is expected to provide 150 to 200 berths for yachts up to 50 metres in length.
Developers will have to conduct an environmental assessment before construction.South Lantau planThe South Lantau Eco-recreation Corridor plan will comprise Cheung Sha, Pui O, Shui Hau, and Shek Pik, with land tender expected in 2027. Land tendering for the Tsim Bei Tsui and Pak Nai plan will begin in early 2028.
Developers will have to submit their expression of interest by July 2. Briefing sessions for each of the three projects will be held next Monday.The plans, first announced by Chief Executive John Lee in his 2024 Policy Address, sought to “revitalise Hong Kong’s tourism industry” after it was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hong Kong logged 44.5 million visitors in 2024, up 31 per cent from 2023 but still below the record high of 65 million in 2018.Support HKFP | Policies & Ethics | Error/typo? | Contact Us | Newsletter | Transparency & Annual Report | AppsHelp safeguard press freedom & keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team.
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