Northern Metropolis University Towns Expand to 1,000+ Hectares with Flexible Area Adjustment
AM730 · 2 SOURCES1 day ago6 MIN
Summary
The 2026 Policy Address introduces a major expansion of the Northern Metropolis university town initiative, dividing the project into three zones: San Tin (New Territories North), Hung Shui Kiu, and Tai Po. The combined area exceeds 1,000 hectares, with authorities clarifying the figure is not fixed and will undergo dynamic adjustments according to evolving demands . The government formally launched Hung Shui Kiu's 26-hectare campus land on September 17, inviting eligible tertiary institutions to submit applications by December 31 this year .
Key Points
- Hung Shui Kiu university town land comprises three parcels of 16.5 hectares, 5.3 hectares, and 4.4 hectares respectively, located west of Hung Shui Kiu Station on the Tuen Ma Line
- Maximum plot ratio for campus development is set at 5, allowing institutions to apply for single or multiple parcels to build permanent campus facilities, relocate existing campuses, or construct student dormitories
- Selection criteria require institutions to focus on frontier interdisciplinary research, align with Greater Bay Area industrial needs, and demonstrate deep industry collaboration through curriculum development, teaching, internships, and applied research
- Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kou (陳國基) will chair a dedicated approval panel, with the Education Bureau hosting information sessions next week and announcing results early next year
- Of the total developable land supply of approximately 2,500 hectares in the next decade, about 1,800 hectares (70%) will come from the Northern Metropolis, with 900 hectares expected in the next five years alone
Why It Matters
The Northern Metropolis university towns represent Hong Kong's strategic bet on becoming a regional education and innovation hub, with 40% of the upcoming industrial land allocated to support knowledge-intensive industries . The flexible approach to land area signals the government's responsiveness to market feedback, while the HK$10 billion loan facility lowers barriers for universities to participate without requiring immediate full self-funding . As the Greater Bay Area integration accelerates, these university towns could determine whether Hong Kong attracts top academic talent and research investment away from competing cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou .
The Northern Metropolis university towns represent Hong Kong's strategic bet on becoming a regional education and innovation hub, with 40% of the upcoming industrial land allocated to support knowledge-intensive industries . The flexible approach to land area signals the government's responsiveness to market feedback, while the HK$10 billion loan facility lowers barriers for universities to participate without requiring immediate full self-funding . As the Greater Bay Area integration accelerates, these university towns could determine whether Hong Kong attracts top academic talent and research investment away from competing cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou .