Northern Metropolis: Land released for University City development

The Hong Kong government has released three plots of land in the Hung Shui Kiu University City, part of the broader Northern Metropolis development, for applications by higher education institutions. The total area for these plots is approximately 26 hectares and can be used for campus expansion, research facilities, or student dormitories. The government will establish an approval panel chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration to review proposals, with results expected in early 2025.

Francis Cheung, President of St. Francis University, has proposed the establishment of a cross-institutional research fund to encourage collaboration between universities and technology enterprises within the Northern Metropolis. He noted that while the university is currently focusing funds on a new campus in Tai Wai, it is willing to participate in the management of shared facilities, such as student entrepreneurship or research centers, to foster synergy between academia and industry.

Cheung also highlighted that the development of the University City could address the chronic shortage of land and dormitory space facing Hong Kong's higher education sector. He suggested that the government should encourage international and mainland Chinese universities to participate to enhance the region's competitiveness as an international education hub.