The creation of a committee tasked with developing the Northern Metropolis, backed by working groups to design development models, oversee planning and establish a university town, shows that the government is moving decisively to strengthen coordination.
Dedicated legislation will provide the legal framework to speed up approvals and reduce delays. These moves, together with the pledge to remove administrative barriers, will undoubtedly help equip the project with the necessary tools to succeed.
Innovative approaches in the policy address reinforce this momentum. Fast-tracking approvals and adopting proven construction techniques from mainland China and overseas are expected to lower costs and shorten timelines. A phased-development scheme, inspired by the mainland’s “1.5-level development” concept, will allow early low-density facilities such as retail, entertainment and exhibition venues to begin operation ahead of full-scale projects, generating revenue and foot traffic.
Flexible land policies, such as land exchange, longer leases and direct grants where appropriate, will encourage market participation and investment.
