The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Alfred Sit, visited the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited (HSITPL) and inspected the site of the Lok Ma Chau Loop (the Loop) today (December 21) to learn more about the works progress of the Loop since funding approval was obtained from the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council early this year.

     The Finance Committee of the Legislative Council approved two Public Works Programmes of the Loop in January this year for site formation, provision of infrastructural facilities, as well as the building of a fire station and ambulance depot. Funding for the commencement of the Batch 1 development of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITP) and the initial operating cost of the HSITPL was also approved in February this year.
 
     Mr Sit started the visit at the HSITPL where he received a briefing on the overall planning and the Batch 1 development of the HSITP from the Chief Executive Officer of the HSITPL, Mr Patrick Siu. Relevant projects, including the design of the first four buildings, are being carried out at full steam by the HSITPL. It is expected that works will be completed in phases from end-2024 onwards.
 
     Accompanied by the Project Manager of the West Development Office of the Civil Engineering and Development Department, Mr Ringo Mok, Mr Sit then inspected the construction site of the Loop and was given a briefing on the Loop development, including the completed formation of the first batch of land parcels and progress of the ongoing Main Works Package 1 of the Loop. With the concerted efforts of colleagues from different government departments, Mr Sit was glad to see the first batch of land parcels has just been handed over to the HSITPL for the commencement of construction. The HSITPL will adopt innovative, green and smart construction methods in the Batch 1 development to substantially reduce the on-site construction processes and manpower.

     "The 14th Five-Year Plan indicates clear support for Hong Kong's development into an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub, and includes the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Loop as one of the four major platforms of co-operation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The Policy Address this year has put forward the development of the Northern Metropolis, and the HSITP and areas around Lok Ma Chau/San Tin will be consolidated to form the San Tin Technopole. This will further expand the Shenzhen-Hong Kong I&T Co-operation Zone and facilitates the development of an international I&T hub in the GBA.
 
     "We are pressing ahead with the development of the HSITP and studying ways to expedite its construction to explore a development model with greater flexibility," he added.

Ends/Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Issued at HKT 17:26

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