The plan to develop Lantau east into a new town will be a balanced one, with consideration given not only to residential development, but to job opportunities and employment, also Secretary for Development Paul Chan says.
Speaking to the media after attending a radio programme today, he said if people living there could find work nearby, it would relieve pressure on the infrastructure.
He said Lantau east was proposed for development due to its proximity to Hong Kong Island, enabling easy infrastructure connections, and more cost-effective investment.
It is also less challenging in terms of conservation than the island's western and southern parts, he said.
His bureau will continue with its work projects that are in Hong Kong's best interest, he said, adding that in the process, the Government would communicate with stakeholders to address their concerns.
On ways to increase hotel rooms, he said hotel-only sites had been put up for sale. Industrial buildings could also be turned into hotels through revitalisation schemes, and sites are reserved for commercial use including hotels when planning new development areas in the New Territories.
The Government must rationalise resources and set priorities, and hotel development would be considered alongside other needs, for example, residential housing, he added.
