ENG-2000 — Page 327

INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Cyberport will provide an important infrastructure, taking the form of a world-class working and living environment with state-of-the-art facilities, to accommodate some 150 to 200 companies specialising in applications of information technology (IT), in information services and in the creation of multimedia content. These companies will bring with them a critical mass of talented professionals and they together will develop a new international IT centre within the Cyberport.

The Cyberport is being built at Telegraph Bay, Pok Fu Lam, on the western side of Hong Kong Island. Infrastructural works commenced in September 1999, followed by the start of building works in June 2000. The project is making good progress, and is scheduled for completion in three phases by early 2002, end-2002 and end-2003, respectively.

Another major project under way is the Science Park in Tai Po that will further enhance Hong Kong's technological infrastructure. The Science Park will become a key location for technology-based companies wishing to be a member of a world-class technology community, with a park-like environment and state-of-the-art facilities, in which to conduct innovative business in fields such as electronics, information technology, biotechnology and precision engineering.

The Science Park is being built on a reclamation area and will have a total area of 22 hectares. It will be developed in three phases. Phase 1 is scheduled to open by the end of 2001. In view of the strong market demand, planning for Phase 2 will start in mid-2001.

Tourism Development

In June, the Tourism Commission, on the advice of the Tourism Strategy Group, published a Vision and Strategy Statement for future development of tourism and an Action Programme that maps out more than 50 short and long-term initiatives.

Besides the Hong Kong Disneyland project announced in 1999, major new projects that are being developed or studied include the construction of an International Wetland Park and Visitor Centre in Tin Shui Wai and a cable car system on Lantau Island. This would link Tung Chung with Ngong Ping where a large outdoor bronze statue of Buddha is located.

The Government and The Walt Disney Company signed project agreements in December 1999 on implementation of Hong Kong Disneyland, which will be located at Penny's Bay in north-eastern Lantau Island.

Work began in earnest in 2000. During the year, work began on Stage I of the Penny's Bay reclamation that will form about 200 hectares of land, and planning moved ahead on the provision of local roads and ancillary works which will be constructed in phases.

Hong Kong Disneyland will occupy an area of 126 hectares initially and may be expanded to some 180 hectares. Upon opening, it will comprise a Disney theme park, a 1 400-room resort hotel complex and a retail, dining and entertainment centre. Besides being a major recreation outlet and destination for Hong Kong families and overseas visitors, it will also strengthen Hong Kong's position as a premier tourist destination with outstanding attractions.

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