What now for empty Disney plot? Hong Kong government ‘must work with theme park’ on use for forfeited land
- The theme park lost its rights to develop the 60-hectare site because it couldn’t commit to a near-term expansion
- However, under an agreement Disney struck with the government, the use of the plot is hampered by numerous restrictions
The government should work with Hong Kong Disneyland Resort to decide how best to use an adjacent plot of land the theme park giant has surrendered the rights to develop, advisers and planners say, although the terms of the initial contract sharply limit the possibilities.
Building flats on the waterfront parcel in northeast Lantau Island is off the table due to restrictions agreed upon in the deal struck more than two decades ago. Moving the city’s other themed attraction, Ocean Park, to the site in a bid to create a “super” tourist destination is also not permitted under the clauses.
While two government sources have told the Post the land would be used as a Covid-19 quarantine facility for the next few years, another insider said transitional housing for thousands of needy families could be a possibility afterwards, depending on whether the two sides could reach an agreement on altering the contract.
The option to purchase the plot stretching across 60 hectares (148 acres) to the east of the park in Penny’s Bay expired on Thursday after the government decided against renewing it. The Walt Disney Company could not commit to building an expansion in the near future, sources had told the Post earlier.
But under what some observers have called a sweetheart deal, the government agreed to a raft of restrictions on how the site could otherwise be developed when it established its joint venture, known as Hongkong International Theme Parks, with Disney in 1999.
