Northern Metropolis to streamline land approval process from 9 to 2 months: sources

Hong Kong is set to enact new legislation specifically for its Northern Metropolis project, with a core provision dramatically shortening land-use approval timelines. According to sources cited by the South China Morning Post, the current nine-month process for changing land use—which involves applications to the Town Planning Board, meetings, and public consultations—will be reduced to as little as two months. This dedicated legal framework is expected to be announced imminently, representing a major administrative overhaul designed to remove development bottlenecks.

The acceleration is a strategic move to align with China's newly unveiled 15th national five-year plan, which emphasizes Hong Kong's role in strengthening offshore renminbi business and bolstering supply chain services. The Northern Metropolis, a 30,000-hectare megaproject first announced in 2021 near the border with mainland China, is envisioned as a future engine for economic growth and a critical housing hub. By slashing red tape, the government aims to transform the blueprint into reality much faster, reinforcing the city's position as an international financial center and integrating it more closely with national development goals.