Pop-up mall proposal for Hong Kong border town of Lok Ma Chau approved with 18 conditions

A temporary shopping complex is set to open near the border by late next year, a year later than scheduled, after town planners approved it yesterday - with 18 conditions.

The mall - to be operated for three years near the Lok Ma Chau border crossing - was proposed in February amid rising tensions over an influx of shoppers and traders from the mainland that sparked unruly protests.

The original plan was for the outlet to be opened in time for National Day on October 1. It was then rescheduled to Christmas after the developer realised the procedures involved.

However, the centre can not be opened until the third quarter of next year at the earliest after the Town Planning Board approved it with a raft of conditions, including restricting operating hours from 8am to 11pm, provision of transport such as coaches and shuttle buses, and submission of an environmental report.

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Developer Topcycle Development said the mall would "alleviate pressure in the traditional popular tourist shopping areas". It expects to attract 12,000 visitors per day on weekends.