Q&A
Why is development necessary for Nam Sang Wai? Why can’t it remain as it is?
Ecological studies have indicated that leaving the fish ponds and artificial wetlands in disrepair would be counter-productive to ecology. In contrast to a predictable dead-end for the wetlands, our proposal will improve Nam Sang Wai’s ecological environment and raise its ecological value, making the area more suitable habitat for wild fauna and flora.
Given Hong Kong’s huge demand for housing and limited land resources, the comprehensive regeneration plan of Nam Sang Wai prioritises meeting ecological conservation targets while addressing the practical needs through low-density housing development.
To ensure adequate resources are allocated for the long-term rehabilitation and conservation of the degraded wetlands at Nam Sang Wai and Lut Chau, the developer will undertake the full cost of the capital expenditures for setting up the two conservation sites in Nam Sang Wai and Lut Chau, which will then be managed by an independent NGO using the statutory Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF). The developers will donate a part of the projected profits from the sale of homes to the ECF in order to support the sustaining conservation programme.
Given Hong Kong’s huge demand for housing and limited land resources, the comprehensive regeneration plan of Nam Sang Wai prioritises meeting ecological conservation targets while addressing the practical needs through low-density housing development.
To ensure adequate resources are allocated for the long-term rehabilitation and conservation of the degraded wetlands at Nam Sang Wai and Lut Chau, the developer will undertake the full cost of the capital expenditures for setting up the two conservation sites in Nam Sang Wai and Lut Chau, which will then be managed by an independent NGO using the statutory Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF). The developers will donate a part of the projected profits from the sale of homes to the ECF in order to support the sustaining conservation programme.
The government has a huge amount of community and vacant lands, but why do they not attend to them?
The lead in conservation doesn’t always have to be from the government. Developers can also take the initiative and on private lands and strike a balance between conservation and development. We hope that our plan for conservation and balanced development in Nam Sang Wai will set an example and private case reference for sustainable development in Hong Kong.
Why doesn’t the government recover the land and reconstruct the fish ponds for conservation?
Recovery and reconstruction of the fish ponds by the government would use public funds with a large portion coming from taxpayers. This privately-funded initiative for conservation will avoid such cost-shifting to the general public. It’s a win-win solution where the conservation of fish ponds could be realised without public funding.
Who will fund the conservation of Lut Chau and the Nam Sang Wai Wetland Enhancement Area?
The developer will undertake the full cost of the capital expenditures for setting up the two conservation sites in Nam Sang Wai and Lut Chau, which will then be managed by an independent NGO using the statutory Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF). The developers will donate a part of the projected profits from the sale of homes to the ECF in order to support the sustaining conservation programme.
How will the developer ensure there will be no damage to the natural environment during construction?
To minimize any impact on wildlife, the residential project will be built and developed in a phased manner, with construction work commencing after wetland enhancement works.
What is the idea behind the Balanced Master Plan for Responsive Conservation?
By improving the wetland conditions and the construction and consolidation of pond bunds, the plan will ensure zero net loss in wetland function and area. Both local and migratory birds will have sufficient foraging, with habitat enhanced through extensive tree planting. Nam Sang Wai will be a pristine enclave for wildlife, an idyllic playground for visitors, and a pleasing neighbourhood for residents.
The Luk Chau Nature Reserve and Nam Sang Wai Wetland Enhancement Area will be handed over to an appropriate independent NGO for management.
The Luk Chau Nature Reserve and Nam Sang Wai Wetland Enhancement Area will be handed over to an appropriate independent NGO for management.
How does the Balanced Master Plan for Responsive Conservation take care of all stakeholders?
Ecology - “zero loss” in net wetland function and area. Enhanced resting and breeding ground for birds and other wildlife who call it their home.
The public - A visitor centre, along with various recreational and educational facilities, will be created. Walking trails and roads will be repaired and re-opened in selected areas. People will have access to a safer and more hygienic Nam Sang Wai.
Residents - The residential units will be built on private land situated the furthest away from the Lut Chau Nature Reserve, with excellent visage. Even with the development footprint greatly reduced from 98.6 to 11.6 hectares, over 20% of about 2,520 residential units will be small flats, in order to provide mixed-class housing that meets the needs of society.
Senior citizens – There will be a nursing home providing high-quality care and residential services for elderly people suffering from dementia and the mentally challenged. Senior citizens can sharpen their senses and keep each other company through fun and invigorating bird watching activities. These two NGOs will also promote community awareness of ageing and care of the elderly.
The public - A visitor centre, along with various recreational and educational facilities, will be created. Walking trails and roads will be repaired and re-opened in selected areas. People will have access to a safer and more hygienic Nam Sang Wai.
Residents - The residential units will be built on private land situated the furthest away from the Lut Chau Nature Reserve, with excellent visage. Even with the development footprint greatly reduced from 98.6 to 11.6 hectares, over 20% of about 2,520 residential units will be small flats, in order to provide mixed-class housing that meets the needs of society.
Senior citizens – There will be a nursing home providing high-quality care and residential services for elderly people suffering from dementia and the mentally challenged. Senior citizens can sharpen their senses and keep each other company through fun and invigorating bird watching activities. These two NGOs will also promote community awareness of ageing and care of the elderly.
Since it was the Fu family’s idea to conserve Lut Chau and develop Nam Sang Wai, then why was it developed by Henderson Land Development?
Nam Sang Wai Development Company Limited (NSWD) was set up in the 1950s for the purpose of proposing a development plan for Nam Sang Wai.
In the early 60s, Fu Tak lam (late grandfather of Adrian Fu) bought Nam Sang Wai Development Co., with an aspiration that one day he would build a little housing estate reminiscent of his roots growing up in rural Guangdong province.
In 1965, the company’s application to develop the southern portion of the estate was approved by the then New Territories Administration. The low-rise development was to be split into three phases spread over a land area of 15 hectares. Due to adverse political and economic conditions in Hong Kong in the late 60s the project was put on hold.
The estate kept the fish farming business active and full staffing was maintained to look after the property. It wasn’t until the mid-70s that Adrian Fu took over the files from his father and reactivated the negotiations with the New Territories Administration.
In the 1990s, the Fu family transferred 50% ownership to Henderson Land Development and, as a result, Henderson Land Development submitted planning applications for Nam Sang Wai and Lut Chau.
NSWD recently proposed a “Balanced Master Plan for Responsive Conversation” to redirect the development plan at Nam Sang Wai, with an overall mission of enhancing and conserving Nam Sang Wai and Lut Chau.
Henderson Land Development has collaborated closely with NSWD and fully embraces this responsive conservation plan.
In the early 60s, Fu Tak lam (late grandfather of Adrian Fu) bought Nam Sang Wai Development Co., with an aspiration that one day he would build a little housing estate reminiscent of his roots growing up in rural Guangdong province.
In 1965, the company’s application to develop the southern portion of the estate was approved by the then New Territories Administration. The low-rise development was to be split into three phases spread over a land area of 15 hectares. Due to adverse political and economic conditions in Hong Kong in the late 60s the project was put on hold.
The estate kept the fish farming business active and full staffing was maintained to look after the property. It wasn’t until the mid-70s that Adrian Fu took over the files from his father and reactivated the negotiations with the New Territories Administration.
In the 1990s, the Fu family transferred 50% ownership to Henderson Land Development and, as a result, Henderson Land Development submitted planning applications for Nam Sang Wai and Lut Chau.
NSWD recently proposed a “Balanced Master Plan for Responsive Conversation” to redirect the development plan at Nam Sang Wai, with an overall mission of enhancing and conserving Nam Sang Wai and Lut Chau.
Henderson Land Development has collaborated closely with NSWD and fully embraces this responsive conservation plan.
The “Balanced Master Plan for Responsive Conservation” indicated the net wetland area would be increased by 0.4 hectares to a total of 139.5 hectares after development. How is this possible?
The enhancement work at Nam Sang Wai and Lut Chau, in which fish ponds would be re-arranged, waste dumps removed and pond bunds reduced or removed, will enable an increase of 0.4 hectares of total net wetland area.
Why has the number of residential units in the development project grown from 1,600 in 2012 to about 2,520 today?
The project’s total residential GFA has always remained at 306,581 square metres. The increase in number of units is due to the reduction in average unit size in the plan, which will help meet Hong Kong’s diverse housing needs.