Tung Chung expansion scheme unveiled, raising reclamation concerns
134 hectares would be reclaimed on Lantau for long-term housing, but conservationists are worried about the environmental impact
The government wants to extend Tung Chung on Lantau Island by reclaiming 134 hectares of land east and west of the new town, as part of its quest for long-term housing land.
The scheme, which would yield up to 53,000 flats in a decade and be served by two new railway stations, was revealed yesterday as the Development Bureau launched a second-stage consultation for the project - and aroused concerns over the ecological impact brought by the scale of the reclamation.
"This new town extension study forms a very important part of the government's overall study on long-term land supply," a bureau spokesman said.
"Land in Tung Chung has been used up. Further developments must render reclamation," he added.
Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying has stressed the importance of developing Tung Chung, which he says is the centre of the Pearl River Delta.
The scheme would boost the population of Tung Chung from 100,000 to 154,000. Most of the land will be sourced by reclaiming 120 hectares of coastline east of the town, which will provide 38,000 flats, commercial space and a park.