San Tin tech hub operator pledges affordable land to attract tenants

San Tin Technopole, Hong Kong's premier technology cluster, has announced plans to offer affordable land to entice new tenants. Sunny Chai Ngai-chiu, chairman of San Tin Technopole Company Limited, revealed this pledge during the LSCM Logistics Summit. Chai noted that land costs near the Shenzhen border are a significant barrier for advanced manufacturing companies considering relocating to Hong Kong.

He emphasized that the Sandy Ridge Data Centre project, which received land at a 50-year lease from the government, set a precedent with a land cost less than two times that of mainland China. This approach aligns with San Tin's expansive 210-hectare site, 17 times larger than the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park in Tai Po, making it an ideal location for companies seeking ample space for manufacturing and research.

The Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau has earmarked HK$10 billion for the Technopole, with HK$3 billion allocated to develop 210 hectares of innovation and technology land. Additional funding of HK$6 billion will be used for infrastructure on the initial 20-hectare phase, while HK$1 billion will cover operating expenses.

Chai also disclosed the company's intention to develop fish ponds near the decommissioned Lok Ma Chau control point to provide land for a client requiring a larger area than the first 20 hectares. The San Tin Technopole, situated near the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, aims to focus on six emerging sectors: health technology, artificial intelligence and robotics, microelectronics, new materials, new energy, and green technology.

Upon completion, it is projected to contribute HK$250 billion annually to Hong Kong's GDP and generate 300,000 jobs.