Hong Kong’s tech hub project gets go-ahead despite judicial review challenge
Executive Council endorses San Tin Technopole project, which government says will help meet needs of society and is strategically important
Hong Kong authorities will press ahead with developing a technology hub near the mainland Chinese border after getting the green light from the city’s key decision-making body, despite a judicial review challenge over the project’s environmental impact the High Court has agreed to hear.
The Development Bureau announced on Friday the project was moving ahead after planning authorities made some zoning changes in relation to the San Tin Technopole to address public concerns.
The bureau said the Executive Council had approved the project’s outline zoning plan. and funding would be sought from lawmakers in phases to allow more time for a section set to include a wetland conservation park.
Hours later, the Civil Engineering and Development Department said it had already started inviting tenders for site formation for the project’s first phase.
“With the completion of the statutory planning process, the government will press ahead with the San Tin Technopole and related projects,” a bureau spokesman said.
“Although the environmental impact assessment report for San Tin Technopole is under the challenge of a judicial review, the project is underpinned by comprehensive and professional studies and extensive consultation in accordance with the laws and regulations.
