Hong Kong government scales back development plan for Lantau

Authorities have scaled back expansion plans for recreational development on Hong Kong’s largest outlying island after a number of leisure facilities were thought to be not feasible, according to a final blueprint unveiled on Saturday.

In the latest Sustainable Lantau Blueprint, plans to build spas and resorts on the southern shoreline of the island, a cable car extension to Tai O fishing village, an animal farm and stargazing facilities at Sunset Peak were removed.

The original proposal of developing 14 recreation and tourism areas released for public consultation last year has been whittled down to eight initiatives.

They are a water sports centre, a mountain bike training ground, camping grounds, a beach volleyball court, flower and tree appreciation areas, two heritage and nature trails and an adventure park.

“We have heard a lot from the public and conducted our own internal studies. The feasibility of carrying out [some] projects was quite low, so we decided not to go forward with them,” Director of Civil Engineering and Development Lam Sai-hung said.