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.

It is further elaborated in the 2022 Policy Address 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 also includes part of the land of the KYCAI (about 300 out of the 1 000 ha) as one of the supply sources of the 3 280 ha of developable land in the entire territory in the coming 10 years.

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. The Study is targeted for completion by end 2024.

We aim to commence the statutory process of Environmental Impact Assessment in 2023. We will commence detailed design and apply for funding for ground investigation of the project in early 2024. After the completion of the statutory procedures under the Foreshore and Sea-bed (Reclamations) Ordinance in the second half of 2024 and the completion of the detailed design before mid-2025, we target to apply for funding for the reclamation works in the second half of 2025 and commence reclamation works at the end of the same year. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the first batch of residential development for population intake will be in 2033 at the earliest.

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.