Planning and Engineering Study on Development of Lok Ma Chau Loop Stage 1 Public Engagement (English version) Study Background Lok Ma Chau Loop was formed following the completion of the Stage One Shenzhen River Regulation Project in 1997. The 87.7 hectares piece of land is located to the east of Lok Ma Chau and Huanggang Port and is bounded by the new and old Shenzhen River channel. In 2007, Hong Kong and Shenzhen Governments agreed to commission a joint study to explore the feasibility of the Lok Ma Chau Loop development. A series of public engagement activities were then carried out in Hong Kong and Shenzhen in 2008 for collecting views on the future land use of the Loop. Based on the views received, it was considered that the Loop could be developed with higher education as the leading land use, complemented by high-tech research and development, as well as cultural and creative industries for the mutual benefits to both Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The study on the Loop was commissioned in June 2009. The Study Area includes the Loop and the adjoining areas in Hong Kong and Shenzhen that could provide infrastructure and facilities to support the development of the Loop. Key Considerations The Lok Ma Chau Loop is located within the Closed Area of Hong Kong and is predominantly covered with grassland and reedbed. At present there are no public utilities such as water, electricity, gas, drainage, telecommunication, etc. and no road connection to the Loop. On the other hand, the area has abundant ecological resources including reedbed, agricultural land and fish ponds. It also lies along the bird’s flight paths and forms the activity areas for terrestrial animals. Due consideration during planning should be given to the preservation of these natural resources. P. 1 of 5 Existing concerns about contamination and odour due to the Shenzhen River, together with the boundary security also pose constraints to the planning and development of the Loop. Notwithstanding, there are many development opportunities for the Loop. For instance, nearby there are two major cross-boundary facilities, namely, the Lok Ma Chau Boundary Control Point and the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Boundary Control Point. Both of them may provide convenience to cross-boundary users of the Loop. Another opportunity is brought about by the future planned developments surrounding the Loop. These include the Kwu Tung North New Development Area, existing villages in Hong Kong as well as adjacent developments in Shenzhen which will all complement the Loop’s development. Vision and Guiding Principles of the Loop Having considered the strategic location of the Loop and the future development of Hong Kong and Shenzhen, both governments have agreed to adopt the following 5 guiding principles: 'Flexible Land Use', 'Low Carbon Economy', 'High Accessibility', 'Enhance Environmental Performance', 'Foster Social Harmony and Vibrancy', with the vision to develop the Loop into a sustainable Knowledge and Technology Exchange Zone for cross-boundary human resources development as well as a hub for exchange of knowledge and technology between Hong Kong and the Mainland. Development Proposals of the Loop The Loop’s development can be divided into the following 5 zones. The Education Zone has an area of about 22 hectares and is located in the core area of the Loop. It could accommodate one or more higher education institution and provide education and research facilities, library, hostel and other supporting facilities. The Innovation Zone has an area of about 9 hectares and is situated along the two sides of the P. 2 of 5 Education Zone. A range of accommodation, including offices, research facilities, and performance venues could be provided. The Innovation Zone can promote a synergetic effect between R&D facilities and the university in Education Zone and nearby research facilities. In order to provide a pleasant study and working environment, amenity and activity corridors running in both east-west and north-south directions are provided between the Education and Innovation Zones. This Interaction Zone with about 15 hectares of lush landscaped area will serve as a platform for exchange of ideas and cultural activities through exhibition, concerts, forums, etc. Besides, in order to create a pleasant and attractive waterfront environment, a 2-kilometre long riverside promenade is proposed around the Loop. The Riverside Promenade Zone will echo with the future riverside development over the other side of Shenzhen River. The Ecological Zone is located at the southern part of the Loop. With an area of about 12 hectares, its main purposes are for compensating for the affected reedbeds and preserving existing bird flight paths and activity corridors for terrestrial animals. It would also bring about a pleasant landscape for the Loop. To echo the future development patterns on the two sides of Shenzhen River, low-rise buildings of about 7 to 8 storeys high are proposed along the riverfront, with the building height slowly ascending to 15 storeys towards the center, and then slowly descending southward to 3 storeys to blend in with the natural environment of the Ecological Zone. The maximum building height in the eastern and western ends is 12 and 15 storeys respectively, which gradually decreases towards the center, thus forming an interesting skyline. Several amenity and activity corridors in the north-south direction are created in between buildings. These corridors, interconnecting with the Riverside Promenade Zone, will create an intermingling spatial layout similar to a pair of 'embracing hands', which symbolically resembles the close collaboration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. In order to minimize the vehicular traffic and to reduce carbon emissions within the Loop, P. 3 of 5 transport interchanges are proposed at the eastern and western entrances to the Loop. The use of bicycles, environmentally-friendly transport systems as well as walking would be encouraged as part of the green initiatives. The Eastern and Western Connection Roads will improve linkages between the Loop and the surrounding areas. For the western connection road, improvement works will be carried out to upgrade the connection between Lok Ma Chau Road and Fanling Highway. In the east, a new road is proposed to connect the Loop to the Kwu Tung North New Development Area. To strengthen ties with Shenzhen, we will examine the feasibility of providing a transport connection to the existing cross-boundary facilities. In the long-term, we will consider providing a direct link between the Loop and Shenzhen. Upon completion the Loop will bring commercial development opportunities to the neighboring areas. These developments include hostels, workshops, catering, retail shops, and entertainment, to support future students and people working in the Loop. Adjoining area of the Loop in Shenzhen The adjoining areas in Shenzhen will be developed to complement the Loop whilst maintaining the existing cross-boundary control arrangement. The development potentials of both cities will be greatly enhanced through close collaboration on areas of research and development, cultural and creative industries and low carbon technology. In the short term, Area C will retain its present land uses and facilities, but will reserve space and facilities to complement the future development of the Loop. In the long term, taking into account the actual needs of Shenzhen whilst promoting closer cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, the following four functional zones are proposed: The Integrated Cross-boundary Port Zone together with the planned Shenzhen Metro Line 7 to formulate a cross-boundary hub. This hub will integrate with the Futian Port and the surrounding land uses so as to enhance the vibrancy of the area. P. 4 of 5 Research and Development and Information Exchange Zone will closely interact with the Loop in respect of higher education, high-tech research & development as well as cultural and creative industries in order to magnify the impacts of the Loop’s development. The Public Open Space Zone will revitalize the waterfront of the Shenzhen River, making it a vibrant city park. The Residential Zone will gradually improve the environment and facilities of the existing small residential community and provide supporting residence for Loop users. In order to link up the developments along both shores of the Shenzhen River, the adjoining area in Shenzhen and the Loop will be closely connected physically through cross-boundary accesses and visually through open space and landscaping. We would like to hear your valuable views for refining the development proposals of the Lok Ma Chau Loop. Thank you. P. 5 of 5 .