Developments in Northern Metropolis of Hong Kong: Residents Relocated Gradually Amidst City Expansion

In the quiet rural area of San Tin, nestled between the rolling hills of the New Territories, Kwok Chi-yau's fish farm thrives. For over half a decade, Kwok has been managing eight fish ponds on a 1.8 million sq ft site, supplying a variety of fish, including empurau and giant mottled eel, to restaurants across the city.

However, Kwok's business, and the tranquil San Tin landscape, may soon undergo a dramatic change. The Northern Metropolis megaproject, a future tech hub planned to be situated adjacent to a wetland park, is expected to be built in the area around San Tin. This mega infrastructure project is part of the government's plan to transform the region into a new economic engine.

In 2021, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, the minister responsible for local businesses and communities, laid down the blueprint for the Northern Metropolis in her policy address. Now, the upcoming annual policy address by Hong Kong leader John Lee is expected to include new economic drivers, possibly including the Northern Metropolis project.

The fish farm's unique environment, with brackish water, houses approximately 28,000 fish and employs around 14 workers. Kwok Chi-yau's fish farm generates a monthly income between HK$200,000 and HK$300,000. However, Kwok fears that the development of the Northern Metropolis will mean the end of his fish-farming business.

"The government has abandoned the fish farming industry with the development of the Northern Metropolis," Kwok laments. He worries that there is no opportunity for him to restart his business after the development. The government has promised to transform the area around San Tin into a new economic engine, but for Kwok, this promise comes at a cost.

The Northern Metropolis project will situate a future tech hub adjacent to the wetland park, which will likely replace Kwok's fish ponds. Kwok, like many in the community, faces an uncertain future as the Northern Metropolis project moves forward. Only time will tell how this development will impact the lives and livelihoods of those in San Tin.