San Tin Technopole: A sustainable nature-based new I&T hub – Received ‘’Outstanding Planning Award’’ at The Hong Kong Institute of Planners Greater Bay Area Planning Awards 2024
Date of Award: 27/11/2024
The San Tin Technopole (STT) was meticulously planned by the Civil Engineering and Development Department, the Planning Department and the consultant. It showcases the potential for a win-win scenario for development and conservation. STT was recently honoured with "Outstanding Planning Award'' at The Hong Kong Institute of Planners Greater Bay Area Planning Awards 2024!
The Hong Kong Institute of Planners Greater Bay Area Planning Awards 2024 focused on "Sustainable Urban Development: Integration and Utilisation of Blue-Green Resources" this year, encouraging industry professionals involved in GBA development to create sustainable, livable and human-centric cities. This award has greatly inspired our team and motivated us to work towards building STT into a vibrant new Innovation and Technology (I&T) city that integrates industry development, ecological conservation and a liveable community!
With the theme of "A sustainable nature-based new I&T hub", STT aims to expand the capacity for I&T development while actively creating environmental capacity and optimising the use of blue and green resources. We adhere to five core principles, including optimising key existing ecological capital, creating habitat connectivity, etc. Major measures include the preservation of egretries and birds' flight corridors, provision of wildlife corridors, reprovisioning of night roosts, adoption of bird friendly building design, establishment of the Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park. The planning of STT upholds the "coexistence of development and conservation" and is rooted in a "nature-based planning approach" as the cornerstone of development.
A connected blue-green network of STT is like a lifeline with two revitalised rivers running through the entire STT to achieve multiple goals of nature restoration, flood resilience and quality of life. We have also conducted a comprehensive assessment of the river system of San Tin and Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park while formulating a robust and sustainable water management system to safeguard the water source and quality of the wetlands. Furthermore, by implementing the proposed ecological and fisheries enhancement measures at the wetland conservation park, we aim to strengthen the connectivity of the wetland habitats and ensure that there is no-net-loss in ecological function and capacity. STT is dedicated to becoming a green, smart and sustainable I&T centre, as well as a livable city that attracts talent from various sectors to collaboratively drive technological advancement and bring limitless possibilities to Hong Kong!
