Ta Kwu Ling residents and businesses will start moving out from mid-2028 to allow for the development of a commercial and industrial zone. The first batch of residents is expected to move in by 2035. The bureau aims to expand the priority development area by 21 percent to 250 hectares under the Northern Metropolis blueprint, with a university town now occupying 75 hectares, up from 30 hectares previously. Seven hectares have been reserved for the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts to build a secondary campus, while land for industries will shrink from 64 to 19 hectares.
As a result, the priority development area is now projected to provide 13,000 to 14,000 new flats, housing an expected population of 34,000 to 37,000, down from 45,000 to 49,000. The area will offer approximately 27,000 new jobs, a reduction from the previous estimate of 47,000. Commencement of land acquisition and demolition work is slated for the second quarter of 2028, with completion expected by 2030. The first batch of new residents will start moving in from 2035. The government will compensate residents and businesses who are expected to vacate by the second quarter of 2028.
Officials are seeking district councilor input on hastening the transformation of the priority development area through a meeting on Tuesday. The development progress will significantly impact the local community, requiring careful planning and communication between government bodies and residents. The adjustments reflect public feedback and aim to balance the needs of industry and education with residential needs.