Hongkonger who launched legal bid against proposed tech hub ‘regretful’ gov’t is pushing ahead with plan
Hong Kong Free Press
An activist has expressed regret that the government will proceed with its plan to build a tech hub near the Shenzhen border despite his pending legal challenge.
Eddie Tse said the Development Bureau should not “break the rules and jump the gun,” and should suspend all work related to the project, adding that he “expressed regret at the Development Bureau’s attitude.”
His comments came after the government said in a Friday statement that it would be pressing ahead with its plan to build the San Tin Technopole, a 600-hectare hub in the city’s north. The hub is the centrepiece of of the proposed Northern Metropolis development project, aimed at integrating northern districts such as Yuen Long and Sheung Shui, as well as supporting the city’s technological ambitions.
See also: Explainer: What is Hong Kong’s San Tin Technopole and why is the planned tech hub controversial?
Last month, Tse filed a judicial review application to challenge authorities’ approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the development of the San Tin Technopole, saying that the project could cause severe harm to “precious land of ecological value.” Approval of the report – used to identify the potential impacts of a project and minimise environmental damage – is needed for a development project to go underway.
Judicial reviews are considered by the Court of First Instance and examine the decision-making processes of administrative bodies. Issues under review must be shown to affect the wider public interest.
Tse said the EIA was based on old project details, and that authorities had not held public consultations after enlarging the project’s scope from 340 to 600 hectares.
He also echoed green groups’ concerns that the development would destroy swathes of valuable ecosystems in the wetlands near the city’s border with mainland China. Critics have warned that the project could affect the habitat of over 200 bird species, some of which are already facing extinction.
“The government should respect the mechanism for the environmental report judicial review and judicial independence,” he said in a Chinese statement.
The Court of First Instance approved Tse’s judicial review application, though no date has been set for the judicial review hearing.
‘Strategic growth area’
Authorities have continued to defend the 627-hectare project amid criticism from environmentalists as well as questions on the necessity of the project as some sites set aside for innovation remain unused.
In the Friday statement, the government said it was striving to promote the development of the Northern Metropolis as a “strategic growth area” that could benefit people’s livelihood and the economy.
“The Government will not, and should not, halt a project that will bring benefits to the society simply because an individual has applied for a judicial review,” the statement read.
The project will provide about 160,000 employment opportunities, it said. The statement added that there would be no “net loss” in the ecological function and capacity of the wetland, and that the development would in fact “enhance the ecological value.”
The San Tin Technopole will cover 627 hectares, including some 300 hectares for tech purposes and more than 50,000 homes in the city’s north, the government says.
Support HKFP | Policies & Ethics | Error/typo? | Contact Us | Newsletter | Transparency & Annual Report | Apps
Help safeguard press freedom & keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team
HKFP has an impartial stance, transparent funding, and balanced coverage guided by an Ethics Code and Corrections Policy.
Support press freedom & help us surpass 1,000 monthly Patrons: 100% independent, governed by an ethics code & not-for-profit.