The North Metropolis initiative:

The Hong Kong government has announced detailed development plans for Ngau Tam Mei Village as part of its broader Northern Metropolis initiative. The project aims to transform the northern part of Hong Kong into a hub of innovation, technology, and economic growth. The plans revealed in the Legislative Council on November 26 outline a vision to repurpose the village into a key component of the San Tin Technopole.

The Northern Metropolis, first proposed in 2021, spans 300 square kilometres across northern Hong Kong. The government envisions it as a hub for innovation, technology, and economic integration with the Greater Bay Area. Ngau Tam Mei Village, located in the innovation and technology zone, is set to play a critical role in this transformation.

The redevelopment plan for Ngau Tam Mei covers 127 hectares, with 46 hectares designated for the creation of a university town, including Hong Kong’s third medical school and a teaching hospital. The new facilities are expected to focus on clinical research, fostering international collaboration and training talent to position Hong Kong as a global medical innovation hub. The government also plans to develop a "15-minute living circle" with housing, recreational spaces, and community facilities. The government estimates an increase in residents of 32,000 to 36,000 in the developed Ngau Tau Mei area, and the initiative will generate 22,000 to 26,000 new jobs, boosting the local economy.

To improve connectivity, the proposed Northern Link railway (a new railway connecting to the nearest borders between Hong Kong and mainland China), scheduled for completion in 2034, will link Ngau Tam Mei to the nearby San Tin Technopole. New roads, including the Northern Metropolis Highway, are expected to further enhance accessibility. These infrastructure upgrades are critical to integrating the village into the wider Northern Metropolis.

Backlashes of the initiative:

Despite the government’s ambitious vision, the redevelopment plan has met with significant opposition from residents. Ngau Tam Mei Village, home to approximately 1,300 people and 500 structures, has a deeply rooted community that spans generations. Many villagers, some of whom have lived in the area for over five generations, argue that the proposed development disregards the historical and cultural significance of their homes.

Officials have outlined compensation and resettlement measures. These include agricultural land compensation at HKD 1,070 per square foot and the construction of 5,700 resettlement units by 2027 in areas such as Kwu Tung North and Hung Shui Kiu. However, the measures have done little to alleviate villagers’ concerns.

The village is set to undergo dramatic changes, which some residents fear will erase its unique character. Protest banners reading “Oppose Village Demolition” and “Protect Our Home” are hung up in the village, reflecting widespread frustration. Residents have criticised the government for failing to consult them adequately before announcing the plans. Many claim they only learned about the redevelopment plan through news reports.

Adding to the controversy are doubts about the feasibility of the broader Northern Metropolis project, which requires annual investments of HKD 950 billion to 1.35 trillion over the next five years. The residents are worried that the initiative may become a costly white elephant project, reminiscent of previous large-scale projects like Cyberport, which failed to deliver on its promises.

The development of Ngau Tam Mei Village represents both the promise and the challenge of Hong Kong’s efforts to modernise and integrate with the Greater Bay Area. Whether the government can address the concerns of affected residents and ensure the project’s success remains to be seen. For now, the village stands at the crossroads of history and progress.