The much-delayed Pak Shek Kok station on the East Rail line is scheduled to open as early as 2033 after Hong Kong authorities revealed plans to require the MTR Corporation to build the project to boost connectivity for a tech hub.
The Development Bureau said on Thursday that the project would be financed by allowing the rail giant to build and sell private flats near the new station. The original plan called for a combination of private and public homes.
The station will now be located between Tai Po Market and University stations.
To create room, the existing sports ground for the Education University of Hong Kong (EdU) will be relocated to the 7.5-hectare (18.5-acre) site on the institution’s campus on Ting Kok Road in Tai Po.
Meanwhile, the government will resume the site at Ting Kok Road, including private land and brownfield operations, with the total cost of land resumption expected to reach HK$400 million (US$51 million).
“The change of plan [switching to private flats] was made after consideration, and we will build the station based on the needs of the residents,” a bureau spokesman said.
