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Hong Kong’s development pattern hints at society’s subconscious Development blueprint for a liveable
“Central perspective” in city planning. The main urban area in Hong New Territories
Kong Island and Kowloon is not only our Core Business Districts
(CBDs) but also the epitome of cultural activities and transport In this report, we present nine Potential Development Areas (PDAs)
infrastructures. On the other hand, the New Territories is merely for further study. They are extended from existing new towns and
seen as the outskirt of the city. planned NDAs, forming a massive development belt with over
3,000 hectares that is comparable to Hong Kong’s core urban
However, when we break away from the traditional framework and area. With thorough planning intended for large-scale development,
expand the planning vision to the wider region, the New Territories new infrastructures can be constructed to fully release the
presents enormous development potential. The New Territories can development potential of fragmented brownfield areas, farmlands,
be the cradle for industries that cannot afford the soaring rent in and other underutilised areas.
the CBDs, allowing Hong Kong to diversify its economies. Enjoying
a strategic position with proximity to the Greater Bay Area, The planned NDAs and the proposed PDAs are categorised into
a well-developed New Territories would reinforce Hong Kong’s three development themes to complement the planning intentions
role as a gateway between China and the world, thereby of the ongoing projects implemented by the Government.
strengthening its prime position as a regional hub. In this regard,
Hong Kong can continue to win over talents, business, and capital, (1) Culture & Technology Corridor
which are essential to its sustainable development. Nonetheless, Building on the planned San Tin / Lok Ma Chau Development
Hong Kong can only catch this window of opportunity if we plan Node, KTN/FLN NDA, and NTN, the Culture & Technology Corridor
with comprehensive visions ahead. extends the developable area further to sites along the Northern
Link, Kwu Tung North extension, Kwu Tung South & Fanling South,
Ultimately, an urbanised New Territories will take our city to the next
level, as urbanisation and the associated clustering of human and the east of NTN. Abutting the boundary to Shenzhen, the
capital facilitate the exchange of ideas and stimulates innovation, Culture & Technology Corridor enjoys the strategic locational
which eventually drives technological and economic development. advantage. It will provide expansion space for innovation hub and
This notion has been supported by some renowned urban serve as an anchorage of enterprises and academic institutions.
economists including, for example, Edward L. Glaeser and The ecosystem for the local arts and cultural sector can be fostered
Paul M. Romer. 2 by capitalising on the cultural resources of the New Territories.

2 For further details, please refer to Edward Glaeser on the Economics of Cities and the COVID-19 Pandemic—“On Cities” Masterclass Series [Video] from Norman Foster Foundation (2021)
and Paul Romer’s Interview on Urbanization, Charter Cities and Growth Theory (2015).
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