Construction of the cutting-edge Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park reached a milestone on Friday, with the completion of the first three buildings — two laboratory buildings and a talent dormitory tower.
Speaking at the topping-out ceremony for the laboratory buildings, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the facilities will soon host companies from key industries, including biotech health sciences, artificial intelligence, and new energy, officially kicking off the park’s operations.
Facilities will soon host companies from key industries, including biotech health sciences, artificial intelligence, and new energy, officially kicking off the park’s operations
The park’s first-phase development plan includes five other buildings, projected to be completed in phrases starting in 2027. Lee said the government has earmarked HK$3.7 billion ($476 million) in this year’s budget for this infrastructure and supporting public facilities.
The government also aims to complete the park’s second-phase planning by the end of this year, Lee said.
The Hong Kong park covers 0.87 square kilometers within the broader 3.89-sq-km Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone — a national-level cross-border innovation platform.
Lee said that the government will continue its efforts to facilitate the free flow of people, cargo, capital and data within the Hetao zone, ultimately making it a national bridgehead for scientific and technological innovation.
The two newly completed laboratory buildings each have eight floors and span a total floor area of about 32,000 square meters. They will feature high-specification wet-laboratory functions — meaning it will focus on analyzing physical samples, chemicals and liquids.
Rental costs for units in the buildings will range from HK$33 to HK$38.5 per square foot per month in 2025-26, significantly lower than the average office rent on Hong Kong Island at HK$64.1 per square foot, recorded in December.
The talent dormitory tower provides 100 units, with room sizes ranging from 23.2 sq m to 44.6 sq m.
Duncan Chiu, a lawmaker representing the technology and innovation sector, told China Daily that the new lab buildings will greatly help reduce sample storage and operating costs for enterprises, especially for startups. The two buildings also will serve as a convenient base for the commercialization and transformation of local research projects, given their proximity to Shenzhen.
Meanwhile, lawmaker Shang Hailong called for more detailed guidelines about the park to help local firms better assess their business decisions.
Anticipating a large workforce in the area, Shang suggested enhancing the park’s outbound and internal transportation, including a pedestrian bridge across the Shenzhen River to connect with the neighboring Shenzhen park.
In its development outline for the Hong Kong park, published in November, the special administrative region government vowed to leverage the Hetao project to boost the city’s research and development capabilities and expand its talent pool.
Earlier this month, the city’s Highways Department began its studies on the Northern Metropolis Highway, which is designed to serve the area around the park.
Additionally, the MTR Corp’s Northern Link, currently under construction, is expected to provide a subway service for the region as early as 2027.
Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com
