TNAG-1039-FCO40-1289-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 8

XCC(81)76

23

Current studies and recent development proposals indicate that options such as those listed in paragraph 22 could yield some moderate increases in housing production in the late 1980s. For example rezoning proposals at Hung Hom, Tsuen Wan, Quarry Bay and Chai Wan would enable private developers to produce an additional 40,000 flats. New sites for private sector participation schemes have been identified in New Kowloon and these could yield a further 5,000 flats. A moderate increase in densities in new public rental housing estates in certain new town areas may produce a further 14,000 flats. Such proposals are, by and large, located in areas which are well provided with infrastructure and facilities or will shortly have provision thereof.

24

It may nevertheless be prudent to look for further new development areas such as Tin Shui Wai to provide some additional leeway to meet housing requirements and related land use needs up to 1990. However, beyond 1990, there could be other strategic choices for development, including:

additional new town development areas in the North- Eastern New Territories;

(a)

(b)

further development in the Junk Bay area;

(c)

additional harbour reclamations;

25

(d)

(e)

the redevelopment of sites in New Kowloon and development in Kai Tak following the reprovisioning of the airport to North Lantau, if approved;

the development of low yielding and redundant water catchment areas on Hong Kong Island.

The best choice between these options needs to be thoroughly investigated on the basis of strategic planning studies now in progress, having particular regard to the best combination of population distribution, transport networks and other issues.

Is the Scale of the Project Acceptable from an Inter-Urban Transportation Point of View?

26

Since 1973, Government has concentrated on the provision of public housing and the development of new towns in recognition of the need to come to effective grips with the housing problem. The success of these efforts is widely apparent but it must be recognised that, in certain areas, urban development has pulled ahead of the necessary complementary improve - ments to transport systems. This situation, whilst temporarily unavoidable, serves to show that, as far as practicable, urban development and transport infrastructure must be kept in balance so as to ensure that the total system can function efficiently.

CONFIDENTIAL #