XN000022-1997-02-18 — Page 6

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Hong Kong still needs industrial land

Consultants commissioned by the Planning Department have recommended that a sufficient stock of industrial land should be maintained to facilitate Hong Kong's long-term development.

The consultants, who have completed two studies on the provision of new industrial land and premises and on the restructuring of old industrial areas, have found that Hong Kong's manufacturing industry is still performing an important economic role.

Speaking at a press conference today (Tuesday) on the findings of the consultancy studies, the Director of Planning, Dr Peter Pun, said that despite the structural changes in Hong Kong's economy, the manufacturing industry employed 18 per cent of the workforce in 1995.

"The industry also accounted for 9.2 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product.

"The studies show that a wide range of new industrial and industry-related activities have emerged in recent years.

"These activities require land and premises of new planning standards to suit the diverse and management- and business-oriented nature of their operation," Dr Pun said.

The consultants have therefore recommended that new industrial areas be developed on the basis of up-to-date planning standards and guidelines. They have also suggested that the choice of premises and uses permitted in industrial areas be broadened.

"These cover a new industrial use typology for planning and reservation of industrial land, as well as planning and development parameters such as minimum lot sizes, site coverage, plot ratios, road widths, standards for the provision of parking and loading/unloading facilities, support facilities and provision of amenities," he said.

Turning to existing industrial areas, Dr Pun said the consultants had found many of them require restructuring to meet new planning standards and market demands.