Northern Metropolis Unveils Three University Towns, Larger Housing Units in 2026 Policy Address
On.cc · 8 SOURCESabout 12 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu unveiled ambitious plans for the Northern Metropolis in the 2026 Policy Address, announcing three major university towns spanning over 1,000 hectares and expanding housing unit sizes for public residents. The Ngau Tam Mei development zone will break ground in the first half of next year, with the first development-ready land available by end of 2028, as the government targets producing no less than 200 hectares of usable land in the coming two fiscal years .
Key Points
- Three university towns planned for Northern Metropolis: San Tin (新田), Hung Shui Kiu (洪水橋), and Ta Kwu Ling (打鼓嶺), with combined campus area of 300 hectares and total planning area exceeding 1,000 hectares
- Ngau Tam Mei new development area to commence land formation and infrastructure works in H1 2027, with development-ready land produced from end of 2028 onwards
- Housing Authority to increase larger units (45 sqm or above) from 20% to 25% in Northern Metropolis subsidized sale projects from 2031/32 onwards
- Digital platforms and streamlined procedures cut works project approvals by 3-6 months; environmental impact assessments reduced from 36-48 months to 15-20 months target
- Hong Kong Jockey Club donating HK$3 billion to build a life health technology teaching and research building in the Lok Ma Chau Loop
Why It Matters
The Northern Metropolis development represents a cornerstone of Hong Kong's long-term land and housing strategy, with streamlined approval mechanisms and targeted tax incentives for strategic industries aiming to attract high-value businesses while addressing the city's acute housing needs. The three university towns with expanded campus areas signal a major commitment to developing Hong Kong's innovation and higher education ecosystem, positioning the city as a regional hub for research and technology development .
The Northern Metropolis development represents a cornerstone of Hong Kong's long-term land and housing strategy, with streamlined approval mechanisms and targeted tax incentives for strategic industries aiming to attract high-value businesses while addressing the city's acute housing needs. The three university towns with expanded campus areas signal a major commitment to developing Hong Kong's innovation and higher education ecosystem, positioning the city as a regional hub for research and technology development .