214 | Infrastructure Development and Heritage Conservation
on the Mainland. The findings of these surveys provide valuable input for the planning of cross-boundary infrastructure and the formulation of development strategies.
A planning study, called 'Coordinated Development of the Greater Pearl River Delta Townships', jointly commissioned by the Hong Kong and Guangdong Governments, commenced in 2006 to formulate a regional development framework. The study is scheduled for completion in 2008.
To strengthen the physical connection between Hong Kong and Shenzhen in line with the economic and infrastructure development of both places, the Government started a joint study with the Shenzhen Municipal Government on a new control point to be built at Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai to establish the need, function and benefits of the corridor. The study is to be completed in early 2008.
A planning study entitled 'Land Use Planning for the Closed Area' was launched following Government's decision in 2006 to revise the boundary of the Frontier Closed Area. The study examines the development potential and constraints and will formulate a planning framework for the land to be released from the area. It is planned for completion in mid-2009.
Major Planning Studies/Planning Reviews
'Hong Kong 2030: Planning Vision and Strategy'
The Territorial Development Strategy is the blueprint for the future development of Hong Kong. It provides a broad planning framework for land use, transport and the environment across the entire territory. The latest review carried out under the 'Hong Kong 2030: Planning Vision and Strategy' study was completed in 2007. Compared with the previous strategies, the study adopted a longer time look to the year 2030 and a wider regional perspective. It underwent extensive public consultations and in-depth topical studies. One of the study's recommendations is the implementation of new development areas in the New Territories to meet Hong Kong's long-term development needs. Due consideration was also given to enhancing the links with the Mainland, particularly that with the Pearl River Delta Region.
The Harbourfront Area
The Government is working closely with the Harbourfront Enhancement Committee (HEC), an advisory committee representing a wide range of interests in the community, in enhancing the harbourfront area taking into account changing public aspirations. During the year, the HEC developed and promulgated the Harbour Planning Guidelines for all individuals and organisations to apply when considering and dealing with proposals in and around Victoria Harbour. While reviewing the planning of the harbourfront areas, the Government completed the Kai Tak Planning Review which led to the approval of the Kai Tak OZP in November 2007 and a comprehensive planning and engineering study for the Wan Chai Development Phase II Review. Ongoing studies include the Urban Design Study for the Central Harbourfront and the Hung Hom District Study.