What Changed
- LandsD issued statutory land resumption notices under Cap. 124 and acquisition notices under Cap. 130 for NTM NDA (First Batch).
- The measure covers 1,043 private lots (~62 hectares) plus government land with 23 graves, 22 urns, and 27 fishponds, reverting on January 16, 2027.
- The site will form part of the Northern Metropolis, incorporating a 52-hectare university campus and Hong Kong's third medical school.
On October 15, 2026, the Lands Department (LandsD) of Hong Kong SAR posted statutory land resumption notices in accordance with section 4 of the Lands Resumption Ordinance (Chapter 124) and acquisition notices pursuant to section 4 of the Land Acquisition (Possessory Title) Ordinance (Chapter 130). This legal action initiates the land clearance process for the first batch of the Ngau Tam Mei New Development Area (NTM NDA) project.
The government measure directly affects local landowners, private residents, business undertakings, and site occupants within the designated zone. Under the published notices, the Government will resume 1,043 private lots covering an area of approximately 62 hectares. Additionally, the Government will acquire government land occupied by 23 graves and 22 urns covering around 450 square metres, as well as government land containing 27 fishponds spanning approximately 2,700 square metres. All identified land will officially revert to and vest in the Government upon the expiration of a three-month period from the notice date, establishing the reversion date as January 16, 2027.
The LandsD clarified that the land reversion date does not constitute the immediate departure deadline for occupants. Specific departure notices will be posted in relevant areas approximately three months prior to applicable deadlines. Affected households and business undertakings are expected to vacate in phases starting from the second quarter of 2027 at the earliest. LandsD and its Community Liaison Service Team will maintain contact with affected parties regarding rehousing and statutory compensation arrangements.
The NTM NDA represents the fifth new development area launched under the Northern Metropolis framework. Designed to integrate with the adjacent San Tin Technopole, it aims to create the San Tin University Town. The NTM NDA encompasses a 52-hectare campus area, which includes five hectares allocated for the construction of Hong Kong's third medical school. Site formation and infrastructure works are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027, with spade-ready sites becoming available progressively starting from late 2028.
Who May Be Affected
Private landowners, households, business undertakings, operators of 27 fishponds, and managers of 23 graves and 22 urns within the Ngau Tam Mei New Development Area.
Cross-Border Context
The NTM NDA aligns with Northern Metropolis cross-border development strategies, linking with San Tin Technopole to support higher education and biomedical research ties.
What to check next
- Future departure notices to be posted by LandsD approximately three months before occupants' departure deadlines.
- Specific statutory compensation and rehousing criteria published by LandsD and the Community Liaison Service Team.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.