The Government revived the Ma Liu Shui reclamation project (the project) in the 2021 Policy Address. The preliminary reclamation extent at Ma Liu Shui is about 60 hectares, together with the land to be vacated by the relocation of Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works (about 28 hectares) to caverns, will provide a total of about 88 hectares of new land. The new land is proposed to mainly support innovation and technology (I&T) development rather than the originally suggested residential use, so as to strengthen the development of the Eastern Knowledge and Technology Corridor with I&T as a major economic function. The Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) employed consultants to commence the Engineering Study for Ma Liu Shui Reclamation (The Reclamation Study) in July 2022, scheduled to be completed in 2024.
To implement the reclamation project, facilities along the existing shoreline and submarine facilities affected would require to be permanently or temporarily reprovisioned. The Study focuses on the reclamation and associated reprovisioning works, carries out technical study to assess impacts on hydraulic, drainage and environmental aspects, etc. and seeks views from relevant stakeholders. In addition, the Reclamation Study covers formulation of preliminary design schemes, implementation strategy and programme, as well as preliminary site investigation works and geotechnical assessment.
Ma Liu Shui reclamation is located at the centre of the Eastern Knowledge and Technology Corridor under "Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030". It is also adjacent to the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the Hong Kong Science Park. By providing the land and development space needed for emerging industries, the project has the potential to enhance the existing innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem and achieve synergy.
Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) has engaged the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) to carry out a separate study on the proposed land use/top-side development and the associated infrastructure for the reclamation site. To facilitate the long-term development of the reclamation site, the planning of reprovisioning schemes for existing facilities will take into account the proposed land use in consultation with ITC and its consultants.
The proposed Ma Liu Shui reclamation project aims to minimise the impact on the surroundings. To minimise impact on water quality and marine ecology nearby, the Reclamation Study will explore the feasibility of adopting the environmentally-friendly reclamation technology – the non-dredged "Deep Cement Mixing" (DCM) method. This method also takes a shorter time than the traditional reclamation method to complete the works.