Government Resumes 1,043 Land Plots for Ngau Tam Mei Development Zone
Bastillepost · 2 SOURCESabout 5 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Lands Department has officially gazetted land resumption and requisition notices for the Ngau Tam Mei New Development Area (first batch), marking a significant milestone in the Northern Metropolis development strategy. The notices, posted on October 15, 2026, cover a total of 1,043 private land lots with a combined area of approximately 62 hectares, along with government land containing 23 graves, 22 burial structures, and 27 fish ponds. The affected land will revert to government ownership three months after the notices are posted, on January 16, 2027. However, the authorities have clarified that this date does not mean immediate evacuation for affected residents and business operators.
Key Points
- The Lands Department resumed 1,043 private land lots covering approximately 62 hectares under the Land Resumption Ordinance and the Land Acquisition (Possessory Title) Ordinance
- Additional requisition involved 23 graves and 22 burial structures on about 450 sq m of government land, plus 27 fish ponds spanning approximately 2,700 sq m
- Land reverts to government on January 16, 2027, but affected residents and businesses will receive relocation notices about three months before their deadline
- The earliest relocation is expected to begin in Q2 2027, with the Lands Department and community liaison teams handling compensation and rehousing
- This is the fifth new development area in the Northern Metropolis, planned as a university town integrated with San Tin Tech City, featuring a 52-hectare campus with 5 hectares for a third medical school
- Site formation and infrastructure works are scheduled to commence in the first half of 2027, with land plots becoming available from end-2028
Why It Matters
The Ngau Tam Mei development represents a crucial component of Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis strategy, positioning the territory to strengthen its innovation and technology ecosystem through the planned San Tin University Town. The project's provision of land for a potential third medical school addresses long-term healthcare workforce needs, while the university town concept aims to create synergies between academic institutions and the tech industry. The careful approach to resident relocation, with extended notice periods and dedicated liaison support, demonstrates the government's commitment to balancing development imperatives with affected parties' welfare.