Lantau Tomorrow Vision

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Lantau Tomorrow Vision (easy version)

What is it?
Lantau Tomorrow Vision is a plan in Hong Kong to create a new central business district by building large artificial islands in the eastern waters near Lantau Island. The project would involve reclaiming land to form about 1,700 hectares of new land and connect it to Hong Kong Island and other areas.

Background
- The idea began in the 2010s and was publicly raised in 2014.
- It was officially proposed in Carrie Lam’s 2018 policy address as part of a long-term land supply strategy.
- The plan developed alongside Hong Kong’s 2030+ framework and the Sustainable Lantau Blueprint, with public discussion in 2018.

What would it include?
- Artificial islands created by land reclamation near Kau Yi Chau and Hei Ling Chau.
- Aiming to house a large population and to become a new CBD (central business district).
- The plan envisioned road and rail links to Hong Kong Island and the Greater Bay Area.

Housing and people
- The proposal suggested housing for roughly 260,000–400,000 homes, serving about 700,000 to 1.1 million people.
- About 70% of the homes were planned to be public housing.
- The project would expand Lantau’s role as a “double gateway” for the city and its travel connections.

Costs and financing
- Early estimates put the cost at HK$400–HK$500 billion (roughly US$64 billion).
- In 2022 the cost was revised to about HK$580 billion, while projected revenue from land sales was expected to be lower.
- Officials said more studies were needed to refine the figures, with discussions about timelines for building homes.

Concerns and opposition
- The plan faced strong criticism over its high cost and environmental impacts.
- Critics warned it could drain public finances and harm vulnerable areas, and that climate change could threaten the reclaimed land.
- Public consultation was controversial, with some groups accusing the process of being opaque.

Recent status
- In February 2024, Hong Kong’s finance chief said the project was postponed for financial reasons but not cancelled.
- Opinions remain divided: some see a future chance to revisit the plan, while others advocate focusing on other housing and development options.