Lantau Development Advisory Committee First-term Work Report

Synopsis

This work report summarises the work of the first term of the Lantau Development Advisory Committee (LanDAC), and its major proposals in the areas of spatial planning and land use, conservation, strategic transport infrastructure, social development, and recreation and tourism for Lantau. It also outlines the direction of the Committee's next step of work.

Background

LanDAC was formed in January 2014 to advise the Government, through the Secretary for Development, on: 1) the social and economic development opportunities on Lantau to capitalise on its advantages as the confluence of major transport infrastructure linking , Macao and the western Delta, so as to meet the long-term development needs of Hong Kong; and 2) the policies, measures and specific proposals conducive to the sustainable development and conservation of Lantau.

Information on LanDAC and its subcommittees, including meeting minutes and discussion papers, has been uploaded to the LanDAC website (www.LanDAC.hk).

Work of LanDAC

LanDAC and its subcommittees held a total of 7 and 19 meetings respectively and conducted site visits to Lantau and cities in the western (PRD). Moreover, a number of promotional events had been organized to brief key stakeholders on Lantau development and site visits to Lantau had also been conducted for the 18 District Councils.

Three topical strategic studies were commissioned in 2015 to facilitate LanDAC on formulation of the proposed development strategies, namely, the Study on Consolidated Economic Development Strategy for Lantau and Market Positioning for Commercial Land Uses in Major Developments of Lantau; the Study on Recreation

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and Tourism Development Strategy for Lantau; and the Preliminary Feasibility Study on the Cable Car System from to , and Spa and Resort Development at and .

Planning Vision

The planning vision is while balancing and enhancing development and conservation, to develop Lantau into a smart, low-carbon community desirable for living, work, business, leisure and study.

Strategic Positioning

LanDAC formulated in July 2014 the following four strategic positioning for Lantau development:

1. An International Transport, Logistics and Trade Hub in the Greater PRD Region 2. A Service Hub of the Greater PRD Region and Asia 3. A Strategic Growth Area with a New Metropolis 4. A Treasure of Natural Assets

Major Planning Principles

LanDAC agreed on the following four major planning principles:

1. Economic and Livelihood Three development concepts proposed from the economic and livelihood point of view include: “A New Platform for the Pillars”, “A Thriving Community” and “A Bridge to Tomorrow”.

2. Natural and Heritage Conservation It is proposed to strengthen the conservation of sites of conservation values. Major developments at these sites or their surrounding areas should be avoided as much as possible. However, under the principles of sustainable development and biodiversity, these valuable resources should be suitably utilized for education, recreation and green tourism.

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3. Recreation and Tourism Lantau could meet the keen needs of Hong Kong people for leisure and entertainment. It is suggested to develop diversified multi-modal recreational and tourism facilities to shape Lantau as a kaleidoscopic recreation and tourism destination.

4. Traffic and Transport The existing traffic and transport facilities of Lantau are lagging behind. Timely provision of comprehensive traffic and transport infrastructure network is the key for taking forward Lantau development. LanDAC proposed that traffic and transport should be of priority consideration when implementing various developments.

Major Proposals

1. Spatial Planning and Land Use (Figure 1)  North Lantau Corridor for strategic economic and housing development  Northeast Lantau for leisure, entertainment and tourism development  Setting-up East Lantau Metropolis for long-term strategic growth area  Development of conservation, leisure/recreation, cultural and green tourism for the predominant part of Lantau  Optimizing the use of Government land and development of caverns

2. Conservation  The current conservation mechanism should be continued (see Figure 2). To strike a balance between the need for conservation and development, it is suggested to follow two major directions for further examination: (1) enhance conservation and (2) better utilization of resources including country parks and marine parks.

3. Strategic Traffic and Transport Infrastructure  To complement various Lantau strategic developments, LanDAC considered that there is a need to formulate a comprehensive traffic and transportation network. LanDAC further suggested that the Government should conduct a comprehensive traffic and transport study for Lantau. The initial concept of strategic traffic and transport infrastructure is shown in Figure 3.

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4. Recreation and Tourism  LanDAC considered Lantau could be shaped as "a Kaleidoscopic Recreation and Tourism Destination" in response to the quest of the public to have more diversified and distinctive recreation and tourism facilities. It is proposed to integrate and cluster new and existing recreational facilities and tourist attractions to achieve synergy.  The consultant firm has initially proposed a planning framework comprising 5 themes and 14 recreation and tourism areas (see Figure 4). However, these proposals are still subject to technical and financial viability assessment. LanDAC looks forward to receiving more innovative ideas from stakeholders and the general public.

5. Social Development  Based on various information and discussions, the existing conditions of social development in Lantau are summarized as follows: - Community services and facilities in all major areas are satisfactory; - There are ample job opportunities currently and in the future. While job nature and industries will become more diversified, there will be sufficient job opportunities to meet the needs of the additional working population in the future. - Future population increase and developments will be mainly in and north Lantau, and thus attention should be paid to the future change in the community of these areas.  Considering existing and future social development conditions, LanDAC proposed three social development strategies: - Attract talent while balancing employment opportunities. As the short to medium term population increase will mainly be younger people, support to them and their young children is of particular importance. - Provide suitable internal and external transport connections to meet requirements of future development - Catering for the needs of rural and remote areas on Lantau

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Short-term Improvement Measures

Quick-win projects are being implemented to boost the local economy of Lantau and share the fruits of development with the public at an early stage. These include:  Improvement Works at Tai O;  Improvement Works at ;  Improvement Works at Chung Village which will be implemented under the Tung Chung New Town Extension project;  Expansion and Improvement of Mountain Bike Trail Network;  Relaxation of traffic restrictions on closed roads in South Lantau for coaches and private cars;  Issue of new Lantau taxi licences;  Improvement to narrow road bends at Road and South Lantau Road;  Provision of additional car parking spaces in Tai O, South Lantau and Mui Wo;  Improvement measures to enhance existing traffic and transport facilities and management; and  Refurbishment of the Tung O Ancient Trail.

Looking Ahead

From early 2016, LanDAC, in collaboration with the Government, will introduce the proposed development strategies for Lantau to the public and listen to their views through a series of activities.

Relevant Government departments will investigate the technical feasibility and explore the implementation mechanism of the various proposals, with a view to creating project items for moving forward the feasible proposals in the short, medium and long-terms.

As Lantau development is a long-term major development project involving multiple Government bureaux and departments and a large amount of work. LanDAC suggested that the Government should establish a dedicated office to take forward various projects under Lantau development.

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Timetable

Subject to general support from the public, LanDAC will publish a Blueprint for Lantau Development and the broad timetable for various developments is shown in Figure 5.

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North North-eastern Lantau Corridor Lantau Node North Lantau Corridor is planned North-eastern Lantau is to be for economic and housing development. developed as a leisure, entertainment The Hong Kong International Airport, Hong and tourism node. With new and Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities Island, diversified tourism and entertainment Tung Chung New Town and its Extension, elements青衣 that complement existing

Siu Ho Wan reclamation and other major 7 leisure facilities on north-eastern infrastructures at the North Lantau Lantau, Hong Kong’s position as Corridor can provide ample opportunities 1 Asia’s tourist hub and events for housing, economic and 2 4 capital can be reinforced. 3 commercial development. 8 6

5 East Lantau Metropolis (ELM) 10 10 9 The central waters between Predominant 5 Lantau and has 9 potential to become a strategic growth part of Lantau 10 area. One or more artificial islands in The predominant part of Lantau is the central waters can be created to to be retained for conservation, 10 develop the ELM comprising an additional leisure, cultural and green tourism 11 12 9 core business district and a new town to use. Lantau is rich in ecological habitats, 12 meet Hong Kong’s long-term needs. The rural townships, and cultural and heritage ELM would adopt a smart, diverse and attractions. In preserving its intrinsic low-carbon new town concept with 12 and unique qualities, there is a great transport infrastructure connecting potential for enhancing the development to major districts in the of leisure, cultural and green tourism, 12 territory. diversifying the development of Lantau. Optimizing the use of Government land Legend North Lantau Corridor for East Lantau Metropolis (ELM) for and developing cavern Strategic Economic and Housing Development Strategic Growth with a Core Business District 1 Planned Hong Kong International Airport 9 ELM Preliminary Concept The aim is consolidating and Three-runway System 12 reprovisioning correctional facilities on 2 The Future Expansion of AsiaWorld-Expo Predominant part of Lantau for Conservation, Leisure, Cultural and Green tourism use. Lantau to release Government land for 3 North Commercial District on Airport Island 10 Northwest Lantau Historic, Cultural and Natural Trail other uses, relieving the pressure to 4 Topside Development at the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities Island of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge 11 Luk Wu Keung Shan Religious Conservation Zone create new land. Cavern 5 Tung Chung New Town Extension 12 South Lantau Eco-conservation, Recreation and Green Tourism development at areas near 6 Development Siu Ho Wan and Mui Wo Existing/Proposed Marine Parks North-eastern Lantau Node for Figure 1 could be studied. Leisure, Entertainment and Tourism 7 Sunny Bay Reclamation

Spatial Planning and Land Use 8 Resort Phase 2 Development The Plan cannot be used as baseline information of detailed environmental and ecological assessment. It is for illustrative purpose only. Figure 2 Conservation Possible Rail Link between North Lantau and

Possible Transport Tuen Mun Connection between – Chek Lap Hong Kong Boundary Kok Link Crossing Facilities Island 7 and North Commercial District on Airport Island Possible Road 2 1 Possible pierRoad facilities P1 at Sunny Bay between East Lantau Metropolis 4 and Northwest 3 8 New Territories via Northeast Possible 6 Lantau Rail Links Possible Rail between Hong Link between Kong Boundary 5 HKSAR Boundary East Lantau Crossing Facilities Metropolis and Island and North Kowloon Lantau West Hong Kong Link Road of HZMB 5

Tung Chung Road 5 Hong Kong Island Possible Rail/Road Links between East Lantau Metropolis and Hong Kong Island West

South Lantau Road

Legend Possible Rail/Road Links 1 Planned Hong Kong International Airport 5 Tung Chung New Town Extension East Lantau Metropolis Preliminary Concept between Mui Wo Three-runway System and North Country Park Lantau 2 The Future Expansion of AsiaWorld-Expo 6 Siu Ho Wan Development Existing Pier Facilities 3 North Commercial District on Airport Island 7 Sunny Bay Reclamation Possible Pier Facilities

Topside Development at the Hong Kong Hong Kong Disneyland 8 4 Boundary Crossing Facilities Island of Resort Phase 2 Development Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge

Possible Rail Corridor for Possible Strategic Road Proposed Marine Traffic further examination for further examination for further examination Figure 3 Remarks: Options for the Link between Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities Island and Airport Island are subject to further study Strategic Traffic and Transport Infrastructure Concept It is for illustrative purpose only. TUEN MUN - LINK SPLURGE AND INDULGE Sunny Bay

North ECOLOGY Commercial Hong Kong District on RECREATION Airport Island Boundary Crossing Siu Ho Wan AND Facilities Island Hong Kong OUTDOOR Disneyland ACTIVITIES

Tai Ho Wan

Citygate

Tung Chung CULTURE Valley AND HERITAGE RECREATION AND Mui Wo CULTURE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AND HERITAGE ECOLOGY Ngong Ping Tai O Luk Wu, Keung Shan RECREATION AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Chi Ma Wan ECOLOGY Cheung Yi O Sha Shui Hau RELAXATION

RECREATION AND OUTDOOR Fun Lau ACTIVITIES

CULTURE AND HERITAGE

RELAXATION Figure 4 Soko Islands Planning Framework for Recreation and Tourism

470,000

1,000,000 700,000 - - 700,000 (After 2030) (After

Long Term Possibility Possibility Term Long

270,000

338,000 East Lantau Metropolis Lantau East

Long Term Term Long

development in north Lantau north in development

may be available in medium term to support to term medium in available be may

^Some part of the connections connections the of part ^Some

under construction under

*Tuen Mun - Chek Lap Kok Link already already Link Kok Lap Chek - Mun *Tuen

New Territories - Lantau-Metro Area *^ Area Lantau-Metro - Territories New Rail/Road Corridor Linking Northwest Northwest Linking Corridor Rail/Road Medium Term Medium

(Within about 15 Years) 15 about (Within

138,000 160,000

(Indicate the earliest possible emergence of various projects) various of emergence possible earliest the (Indicate #

Medium Term Medium

To be explored under respective development development respective under explored be To

studies

#

Correctional Facilities Correctional (Including Tung Chung West Station) West Chung Tung (Including

supporting development in north Lantau north in development supporting Tung Chung New Town Extension Town New Chung Tung Land Development after Consolidation of of Consolidation after Development Land West Extension West Line Chung Tung Road P1 Road

New Station(s) along Tung Chung Line Line Chung Tung along Station(s) New Future Expansion of AsiaWorld-Expo of Expansion Future

HKIA Three-Runway System System Three-Runway HKIA

Hong Kong Disneyland Phase 2 Development 2 Phase Disneyland Kong Hong

Surrounding Development Surrounding Sunny Bay Reclamation Bay Sunny

Siu Ho Wan Depot, Reclamation and and Reclamation Depot, Wan Ho Siu Other Major Tourism and Recreation Facilities Recreation and Tourism Major Other Short Term Term Short

(Within about 5 Years) 5 about (Within

94,000 110,000

Short Term Short

Improvement Measures Measures Improvement

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Hong Short-Term Tuen Mun - Chek Lap Kok Link Kok Lap Chek - Mun Tuen

Island and Its Topside Development Topside Its and Island

Developments within Tung Chung New Town New Chung Tung within Developments Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities Facilities Crossing Boundary Kong Hong North Commercial District on Airport Island Airport on District Commercial North Associated Traffic and Development Project(s) Transport Infrastructure concept Figure 5 Total Population Total Opportunities Employment Total Broad Timetable for Development Estimated Total Population and Total Total and Population Total Estimated the on based Opportunities Employment be will projects all that assumption out. carried