Hong Kong homes cleared for Northern Metropolis tech hub

Hong Kong is converting about a third of its territory into the Northern Metropolis, a massive tech hub. The project aims to integrate the city with mainland China and diversify the economy.

Seventy-one-year-old resident Chan Yuk-tong must leave his ancestral village home to make way for the development. Government departments stated that these ancestral houses lack the cultural significance required for preservation.

“I can't bear to leave... If not for the government developing this area, I would likely spend the rest of my life here. After all, I belong here.”

Environmental and social groups warn that the ambitious project will heavily damage local communities and wildlife. Activist Brian Wong noted that building a new city in a previously well-preserved area is inevitably destructive.

The development will cover 30,000 hectares and require the demolition of at least 25 villages. Officials promote it as an economic engine that will accommodate 2.5 million residents and create 650,000 jobs.

Integration plans have historically faced opposition in Hong Kong over fears of eroding autonomy. However, a sweeping national security law imposed in 2020 has largely stifled public dissent.