Tung Chung set to rise amidst intensified Lantau infrastructure drive

New extensions will boost its population to over 268,000.

The relatively quiet town of Tung Chung is set to make a name for itself beyond its status as the next door neighbor of the Hong Kong international airport as extensive development plans and connectivity links is set to double its population to over 300,000 by the early 2030s, according to real estate consultant Savills.

The two planned town extensions to the east and west of Tung Chung Town Centre are expected to accommodate around 156,000 people and boost the population to over 268,000 over the next five years. The first population intake is set around 2023-2024 although the extensions will only be completed by around 2030.

Beyond the space for homes, the town extension will also help transform the sleepy town into a bustling commercial hub by providing 500,000 sqm for office use, 327,000 sqm for regional retail uses and 50,000 sqm for a hotel with retail, dining and tourism-associated facilities whilst generating an estimated 40,000 jobs.

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What used to take 30 minutes to commute to the CBD via MTR could also be shortened with the proposed establishment of Tung Chung East and Tung Chung West stations.

“The proposed commercial developments will also position Tung Chung as a key node in the Greater Bay Area whilst the new infrastructure will greatly improve accessibility,” the firm said in a report.

Photo from Wpcpey - Own work, CC BY 4.0