Govt to develop Sentosa-like eco-tourism site
The government on Wednesday said it plans to transform an area in northwestern New Territories into an eco-tourism destination similar to Singapore’s Sentosa, with outdoor adventure activities, a coastal conservation park and a waterfront performance venue. The Development Bureau said Lau Fau Shan – known for its seafood market – has more than 10 kilometres of coastline and valuable natural habitats. A spokeswoman for the bureau told reporters at a closed-door meeting that an area that is at least 60-hectares large will be listed as a Coastal Protection Park. “There will be hotels and resorts that offer diverse and enriching experiences to attract tourists, though It’s not a theme park,” she said, adding that its natural beauty could encourage people to stay overnight. The spokeswoman also said the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department is currently conducting an assessment to evaluate the ecological impact of proposed developments in Lau Fau Shan, and will suggest suitable mitigation measures. Meanwhile, the bureau said it has plans to transform another portion of Lau Fau Shan into a digital technology hub to cover fintech and digital entertainment, and allocate an area for residential purposes. Authorities expect the development project will generate about 50,000 jobs, with 12,000 related to innovation and technology and 10,000 tourism ones. The government plans to gauge public opinion on the proposed developments through a two-month consultation exercise.