The Executive Council on Friday gave its blessing to the San Tin Technopole development despite a judicial challenge to the project. The plan includes three draft outline zoning plans for San Tin Technopole, Mai Po and Fairview Park, as well as Ngau Tam Mei. The High Court last month granted an application to a legal challenge targeting the environmental impact assessment report. In a statement, the Development Bureau emphasised that it would still press ahead with the project despite the judicial review. It pointed out that studies and consultations were conducted based on laws and regulations. "The project also carries strategic importance to innovation and technology (I&T) development, and there is a strong voice in society for accelerating I&T development without further delay," a spokesman said. "The government is striving to promote the development of the Northern Metropolis as a strategic growth area, pressing ahead with various land development, infrastructure and housing projects to address the needs of society, people's livelihood and economic development." It will seek funding from the Legislative Council Finance Committee by the end of this year for the first batch of site formation and infrastructure work, which will not involve pond filling. The government aims to complete site formation for the first batch of I&T sites in 2026. Meanwhile, the Town Planning Board says the decision provides a statutory planning frameworks for the three sites. The San Tin Technopole plan was first unveiled by former chief executive Carrie Lam in 2021. The government says the hub, which borders Shenzhen, will create 160,000 jobs and homes for 50,000 households.
