Projects – KMENC – Korea Marine DCM Work Specialist

Hong Kong

Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands

Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands Project

According to the Conceptual Spatial Framework under the final recommendations of “Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030” promulgated in 2021, the development of the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands (KYCAI), which is at a strategic position within the expanded Harbour Metropolis, can provide about 1,000 hectares (ha) of land for meeting part of the medium to long-term land requirement of Hong Kong. It is further elaborated in the 2022 Policy Address that the KYCAI will expand the scope and capacity of Hong Kong’s development and enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness as a financial, commercial and trade centre. It also includes part of the land of the KYCAI (about 300 out of the 1,000 ha) as one of the supply sources of the 3,280 ha of developable land in the entire territory in the coming 10 years (up to Year 2032 to 2033).

In June 2021, the Civil Engineering and Development Department and the Planning Department jointly commenced a consultancy agreement “Artificial Islands in the Central Waters – Investigation” (the Study) for completion within 42 months. The scope of the Study mainly comprises a detailed planning and engineering study for the artificial islands of about 1 000 ha around Kau Yi Chau, and a feasibility study on the priority road link and priority rail link connecting the artificial islands.

It is estimated that the KYCAI are capable of accommodating a population of 500,000 to 550,000 by providing about 190,000 to 210,000 housing units, 70% of which are public housing. Besides, the KYCAI will support the development of the third Central Business District (CBD) with some 270,000 diversified employment opportunities complementing CBD1 in Central and CBD2 in Kowloon East. For more details, please refer to https://www.centralwaters.hk/en/

Reclamation Extent

We preliminarily propose 1,000 ha of KYCAI which comprises three islands (namely Island A – about 380 ha, Island B – about 380 ha and Island C – about 240 ha), which forms a Y-shape channel separating the islands. In formulating the proposed “Three-island configuration”, factors including ecology, water quality, engineering feasibility, marine traffic and port operation have been fully considered.

The proposed configuration can keep the artificial islands away from hard coral communities with ecological value along the coastlines of Kau Yi Chau, Siu Kau Yi Chau, Sunshine Island and Peng Chau. The Y-shape channel will effectively cope with the impact of reclamation on water quality and ecology by maintaining sufficient water flow velocity in the waters nearby.

We also plan to use the water channel as an ecological refinement measure to promote biodiversity through such as deploying artificial reefs at seabed and building eco-shoreline in the intertidal zone. The coastline design will echo the surrounding islands, increase waterfront open space, and promote water sports. It also provides diversified activity venues and optimises living space. For the geographical location of the KYCAI, we have thoroughly considered in the design the risk of flooding and overtopping waves and will adopt a progressive adaptive approach by formulating a preliminary plan that can tackle coastal hazards, including setting a suitable site formation level for the artificial islands, designing adaptive and resilient coastal protection measures and planning a buffer zone between shoreline and development area, etc. We are conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study for the KYCAI development. The preliminary findings show that the proposed reclamation works would not cause insurmountable impacts on ecology and fisheries. The Government will also review the system of granting the ex-gratia allowances for fishermen affected by marine works projects in Hong Kong waters.

The design of the water channels is aligned with the prevailing wind direction to reduce the urban heat island effect. Besides, in order to enhance construction efficiency and cost effectiveness, we propose carrying out reclamation in shallower waters. The proposed reclamation extent has also minimised impacts on the existing fairways and anchorage areas.

Study Overview

Study Background

According to the Conceptual Spatial Framework under the final recommendations of “Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030” (Hong Kong 2030+) promulgated in 2021, the development of the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands (KYCAI), which is at a strategic position within the expanded Harbour Metropolis, can provide about 1,000 hectares (ha) of land for meeting part of the medium to long-term land requirement of Hong Kong.

It is further elaborated in the 2022 Policy Address that the KYCAI will expand the scope and capacity of Hong Kong’s development and enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness as a financial, commercial and trade centre. It also includes part of the land of the KYCAI (about 300 out of the 1,000 ha) as one of the supply sources of the 3,280 ha of developable land in the entire territory in the coming 10 years.

The Study on the Artificial Islands in the Central Waters commissioned by the Civil Engineering and Development Department and the Planning Department in June 2021 mainly comprises a planning and engineering study on the KYCAI and a technical feasibility study on strategic road and rail connecting the artificial islands. The Study is targeted for completion by end 2024.

Way Forward

We aim to commence the statutory process of Environmental Impact Assessment in 2023. We will commence detailed design and apply for funding for ground investigation of the project in early 2024. After the completion of the statutory procedures under the Foreshore and Sea-bed (Reclamations) Ordinance in the second half of 2024 and the completion of the detailed design before mid-2025, we target to apply for funding for the reclamation works in the second half of 2025 and commence reclamation works at the end of the same year. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the first batch of residential development for population intake will be in 2033 at the earliest.

Planning Together

To realise community participation in planning the core area of a new generation, we have set up a platform with six professional institutes for in-depth discussions on the major planning concepts and certain important planning issues, with a view to putting forward creative suggestions for the artificial islands.