LCQ12: Land use planning for Au Tau
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Question:
In the 2025 Policy Address, the Chief Executive announced that the Government would commence a land use review for Au Tau to capitalise on the development potential brought by the Northern Link (NOL), and to consider increasing the proportion of private housing in the area around Sha Po at Au Tau Station for development into a New Development Area. The Government will engage the MTR Corporation Limited to conduct the review. There are views that as the site selection and planning will have far-reaching implications for existing housing estates nearby and future residents of Sha Po, the authorities' planning should embody the strategy of "enhancing connectivity for public convenience and prioritising supporting facilities", and ensure that the impacts on the surrounding environment are minimised during the construction and operation of the Au Tau Station of the NOL. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) given that the proposed site of the Au Tau Station of the NOL is relatively distant from existing housing estates, whether the authorities will consider constructing multi-level linking facilities such as footbridges or subways to facilitate residents of existing housing estates in travelling to and from Au Tau Station; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) of the specific design measures (e.g. the location of ventilation buildings and the design of air filtration systems) which the authorities will adopt to ensure that the operation of the Au Tau Station of the NOL will not have an adverse impact on the air quality in the surrounding area; and
(3) whether the authorities will take advantage of the aforementioned planning opportunity to introduce large shopping malls and ancillary facilities for leisure and entertainment for residents nearby, and to develop a local economy that can create employment opportunities within the area, so as to ensure that residents from all walks of life will benefit; if so, of the details?
Reply:
President,
The Government has announced in the 2025 Policy Address that a land use review for Au Tau would commence to capitalise on the development potential brought by the Northern Link (NOL), developing the area around planned Au Tau Station and Sha Po into a New Development Area (NDA) in the Northern Metropolis (NM). Consideration would also be given to introduce a larger proportion of private housing. The Development Bureau (DEVB) has already engaged the Mass Transit Railway Corporation Limited (MTRCL) to conduct the land use review, targeting to announce the results within this year.
In response to the question raised by the Hon Holden Chow, after consulting the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB), the reply is set out below:
(1) The TLB has all along implemented various measures to enhance walkability, such as constructing footpaths to enhance overall connectivity of the pedestrian network, widening footpaths, adding or expanding pedestrian crossing facilities, as well as constructing footbridges or subways as needed. The MTRCL has previously conducted a Traffic Impact Assessment for the NOL Main Line and considered that the existing pedestrian facilities are able to meet the travel demand between Au Tau Station and nearby residential developments. Nevertheless, in view of the DEVB’s latest proposal to develop Au Tau as an NDA under the latest planning position and layout, the consultant hired by the MTRCL will further examine connectivity and accessibility in the vicinity of the Au Tau Station in the context of the ongoing land use review for Au Tau, with a view to formulating a suitable proposal and considering the detailed design and implementation arrangements after holistic consideration of relevant factors such as district planning, projected pedestrian demand, technical constraints and cost-effectiveness.
Separately, the Transport Department will keep in view the latest developments in the area as well as progress of the new railway station and, having regard to anticipated changes in passenger demand, co-ordinate with public transport operators to adjust or strengthen public transport services according to the established mechanism as and when appropriate, including adjusting the frequency, operating hours and routing of existing services, or considering introduction of new short-haul feeder services connecting to the new railway station.
(2) According to the TLB, ventilation buildings are essential facilities for an underground railway system. Their functions are to maintain air circulation in railway stations and tunnels, and to serve as emergency access points for rescue personnel to enter and carry out rescue operations in the tunnels in case of emergencies. Ventilation buildings would be placed at an appropriate distance away from nearby buildings in accordance with relevant guidelines, and would need to be equipped with suitable noise-reduction fittings to ensure that the operational noise levels would comply with the requirements. In addition, underground railways utilise electric locomotives which have no emissions during daily operations. Therefore, the ventilation system only facilitates normal air circulation and would not cause air pollution. During the construction and operation of the NOL project, the MTRCL will maintain close communication with stakeholders in the community to listen to and address their views and concerns.
(3) In the process of planning an NDA, besides residential space, we will also accommodate shopping, leisure and entertainment facilities within the NDA in our land use planning, as well as the essential government, institution or community facilities to meet the needs of residents in the NDA and surrounding vicinity.
Regarding employment, promoting home-job balance has all along been one of the Government’s guiding principles for developing the NM. While the developments in Au Tau NDA will be predominately residential, it would be only one or two stations away from the future Ngau Tam Mei Station and San Tin Station on the NOL Main Line. Ngau Tam Mei will be developed into an NM University Town, whereas San Tin Technopole together with the Loop nearby will become the heart of future innovation and technology development in the NM. They will provide substantial employment opportunities suitable for people across different strata of the society, benefiting also residents of Au Tau.
Ends/Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Issued at HKT 12:32
Issued at HKT 12:32
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