Green, caring city fostered

On 23 February 2022, the Financial Secretary Paul Chan made a 2022-23 budget speech.

Among various topics, he mentioned the government has devised strategies to build a green city and a caring society with quality life.

Approximately 40 additional projects covering net-zero electricity generation, energy saving and green buildings, green transport and waste reduction can be subsidised, which will in turn support innovation and create job opportunities for the innovation and technology industry.

Given the overwhelming response of the EV-charging at Home Subsidy Scheme, Mr. Chan said the government will extend the scheme to the 2027-28 financial year by allocating an additional sum of $1.5 billion. The scheme will support the installation of EV charging-enabling infrastructure for about 140,000 parking spaces in some 700 existing private residential buildings, accounting for about half of the eligible parking spaces in Hong Kong.

In addition, the government is preparing to gradually convert a number of existing petrol or liquefied petroleum gas filling stations into quick charging stations in order to support the provision of charging services for more types of vehicles. It will also explore the feasibility of developing some larger filling station sites under the “single site, multiple use” model.

To enhance coastal areas’ capability of responding to climate change, the government plans to earmark funding in the next five years to take forward improvement projects and management measures for 26 low-lying or windy residential areas that are prone to high risks. For the 2022- 23 financial year, it will seek a funding approval of about $8.4 billion for carrying out drainage improvement works in various districts to enhance flood control capability. Strategic studies on coastal management will also begin, with a view to providing guidelines on planning and land use as well as formulating long-term strategies and preventive measures.

The Hoi Sham Park Extension

The government will continue to adopt an incremental approach in executing its plan to open the Hoi Sham Park Extension in Kowloon City and the first section of the promenade under private development in the Kai Tak Former runway area. 

This will extend the Victoria Harbour promenade to a total length of 26km.

Development of sports and cultural facilities

While the Kai Tak Sports project is scheduled for completion by the end of next year, the Government is actively implementing the $20 billion Five-year Plan for Sports & Recreational Facilities. At the same time, the construction and upgrading of community sports and recreational facilities. Also, the five-year plan to transform the public play spaces managed by the Leisure & Cultural Services Department are underway.

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Press Releases, 23/02/2022]

$100 billion for Northern Metropolis

The government has proposed to set aside $100 billion from the cumulative return of the Future Fund for the implementation of infrastructure works relating to land, housing and transportation within the Northern Metropolis.

On 23 February 2022, the Financial Secretary Paul Chan presented the 2022-23 Budget at the Legislative Council. He said both the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy and Lantau Tomorrow plan are important initiatives for increasing land supply, through which housing supply can be substantially increased.

The Northern Metropolis will provide land for innovation and technology development in Hong Kong.

Regarding development areas such as San Tin Technopole, Lo Wu, Lau Fau Shan etc., the Government aims to come up with development plans for the four land formation projects within two to three years, stepping up the implementation of the new development areas projects to ensure timely completion of the housing projects.

As for Lantau Tomorrow, studies related to artificial islands in the Central Waters began last June and preliminary proposals are expected to be put forward in the fourth quarter of this year.

The government is considering streamlining the procedure, to start the first phase of reclamation before the original date of 2027 with the first batch of population intake before 2034.

[The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Press Releases, 23/02/2022]

❈The above article does not consist of any legal advice. If you need any Hong Kong or overseas legal services, please contact the following person of DKL:

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石小雨（Catherine Shi）

香港及前海办公室律师

Catherine是徳和衡前海办公室的海外业务主管，也是其香港联营所的注册律师，她在中国内地和香港有近十年的法律服务经验。凭借其深厚的中国法和普通法背景，她最擅长为中国客户提供海外法律解决方案，尤其是统筹跨国家和跨法域的复杂诉讼和交易。

业务领域：境外基金和信托、跨境诉讼和投融资纠纷

邮箱：catherineshi@newsunsj.com

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