Focus turns to mega project transport, student housing
Legislators have moved to debating motions focusing on expediting the Northern Metropolis development laid out in the city’s first five-year plan and the Policy Address as they entered the second day of the three-day debate on the two blueprints on Thursday. Dennis Leung of the Federation of Trade Unions said officials could consider allowing more companies to participate in the mega project's…
Legislators began discussing motions to accelerate the Northern Metropolis development plan during the second day of a three-day debate on Thursday. Dennis Leung of the Federation of Trade Unions suggested allowing more companies to join the railway infrastructure development via public-private partnerships, arguing that solely entrusting the MTR might not optimize speed and efficiency.
He also emphasized the necessity of adequate transport support, including a significant increase in parking spots and public transport interchanges in new development areas to ensure convenient travel for residents and prevent the area from becoming a "transit desert."
Augustine Wong from the real estate and construction sector welcomed the government's decision to raise the percentage of subsidized flats at least 45 square meters from the current 20% to 25% for projects completed between 2031 and 2032. Wong argued that authorities should consider per-capita living space when allocating housing, as increasing flat size alone would not necessarily improve living conditions if the number of occupants also grew.
Regarding the overall housing supply breakdown over the next decade—40% public rental housing, 30% subsidized sale flats, and 30% private residential homes—Wong suggested the government could ensure an adequate supply of all types of units.
Campaign Committee member Carmen Kan stressed the government's commitment to accelerating the mega project's development by setting a target to create 900 hectares of spade-ready sites within five years. Kan expressed concern over the current absence of a specific tax relief for the mega project and questioned whether introducing one could make the project more attractive.
Medical-sector representative David Lam from the Northern Metropolis University Town proposed exploring public-private cooperation in constructing and operating student housing, offering developers concessionary land prices to build private housing reserved for students.
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