According to the Conceptual Spatial Framework under the final recommendations of “Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030” (Hong Kong 2030+) promulgated in 2021, the development of the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands (KYCAI), which is at a strategic position within the expanded Harbour Metropolis, can provide about 1 000 hectares (ha) of land for meeting part of the medium to long-term land requirement of Hong Kong.
The 2022 Policy Address stated that the KYCAI will expand the scope and capacity of Hong Kong’s development and enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness as a financial, commercial and trade centre. It is also brought up in the 2023 Policy Address that KYCAI will provide 1 000 hectares of land, creating a new central district with liveable, smart, green and resilient development strategies. The KYCAI will also connect the Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, the airport, New Territories West and even Qianhai of Shenzhen. According to the 2024 Policy Address, to ensure timely land supply, about 3 000 hectares of newly formed land will be delivered in the coming 10 years (2025‑26 to 2034‑35) based on latest forecast, including about 300 hectares from the KYCAI.
The Study on the Artificial Islands in the Central Waters commissioned by the Civil Engineering and Development Department and the Planning Department in June 2021 mainly comprises a planning and engineering study on the KYCAI and a technical feasibility study on strategic road and rail connecting the artificial islands.
We aim to commence the statutory process of environmental impact assessment for reclamation within 2024 and gradually proceed with detailed works design for the KYCAI. The Government announced at the 2024-25 Budget that the project would be slightly delayed due to fiscal control considerations. The "Committee on the Financing of Major Development Projects" led by the Financial Secretary will explore specific financial arrangements for the project. The Development Bureau will also formulate specific implementation strategies for the KYCAI according to the progress of studies on details works design and financial assessments, with a view to commencing reclamation works by mid-2027.
To realise community participation in planning the core area of a new generation, we have set up a platform with six professional institutes for in-depth discussions on the major planning concepts and certain important planning issues, with a view to putting forward creative suggestions for the artificial islands.