The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, today (December 1) inspected a new site for innovation and technology (I&T) use in Sandy Ridge in North District, and saw for himself the site's development potential for I&T purposes.

The Government has been endeavouring to provide space for the development of the I&T industries by increasing I&T land supply and upgrading supporting infrastructure. This year's Policy Address proposed a change in the use of a two-hectare formed site at Sandy Ridge in North District for I&T and related purposes, with a view to supporting Hong Kong's I&T development.

Accompanied by the Director of the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office of the Development Bureau, Mr Vic Yau, and the Acting Project Manager (North Development Office) of the Civil Engineering and Development Department, Mr Gavin Tse, Professor Sun conducted an inspection at Sandy Ridge and was briefed by the relevant officers on the situation of the site, including the land formed and the relevant infrastructure facilities which have been completed.

Professor Sun said taking into account the location of the site, infrastructure planning, lead time for developing the site, commercial, transport and community facilities in the vicinity, as well as the industry's keen demand for similar facilities, the Government is of the initial view that the site may be feasible for data centre development, which should not generate large people flow.

"The Government plans to complete the technical assessment and relevant rezoning procedures within next year, the site will be ready for I&T and related development, providing a disposed site for I&T use in a relatively short term in addition to the Loop. This aligns with the 'South-North dual-engine (finance-I&T)' planning," he said.

The Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Mr Eddie Mak; the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong; and the Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Tony Wong, also joined the visit to Sandy Ridge site.

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