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Urban planning

Urban planning
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Urban planning. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
General view in Central district of Hong Kong. Xia Baolong, Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office has called on HK to improve its executive-led governance model, arguing the legislative and judicial branches should support the government as they perform “on the same stage” and should not undermine each other. 26JAN26 SCMP / Jelly Tse
Books and literature

How buildings and cities shape our lives, from ancient Rome to Hong Kong today

Architectural scholar Stefan Al compresses 2 million years of human habitation into 258 pages in his new book, Dwelling on Earth.

Northern Metropolis

Letters | Northern Link must be more than a ‘rail plus property’ project

South Korea

Iconic South Korean district on the brink in divisive urban renewal fight

Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Patriotism is not a business plan for the Northern Metropolis

Beijing has upped the ante with help and pressure, including calling upon the business community’s patriotism, but the Hong Kong government must still sell the business plan.

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A view of Kwu Tung North Area 29, where a world-class fencing hall and swimming pool are planned for the Northern Metropolis, on April 7. Photo: Eugene Lee
Hong Kong transport

Editorial | Kai Tak’s transport solution could be a model for other Hong Kong districts

If successful, the transit system would support Kai Tak’s growth and serve as a blueprint for agile, multi-modal transport citywide.

The Philippines

Manila vs Hong Kong: the 2 sides of Asia’s housing affordability crisis

Asia is home to 60 per cent of the world’s slum dwellers and some of the planet’s most expensive real estate.

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Hong Kong culture

Opinion | Why securing Hong Kong’s economic future is a cultural question

One-off events are not enough for a city in dire need of a cultural revival that nurtures its subcultures and lets future creators thrive.

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Visitors pose for a picture at a movie scene from In The Mood for Love at a Hong Kong pop culture festival at Victoria Park, on April 6, 2024. The aesthetic appeal of storytellers such as Wong Kar-wai is founded on a tasteful east-meets-west visual culture. Photo: Yik Yeung-man
Hong Kong transport

Hong Kong’s Exco gives green light to plans for Kai Tak monorail

Route will stretch 3.5km, connecting Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to MTR station, with four stops in between.

Hong Kong society

Editorial | Balance is vital for urban Hong Kong to coexist with wild animals

Monitoring numbers and humane management will boost the city’s reputation and respect for a rich natural fabric alongside urban development.

Hong Kong tourism

New 200-berth marina, clubhouse planned in Hong Kong revamp of Aberdeen site

Development Bureau aims to launch first tender for a marina in nearly 40 years in 2027.

About 200 mooring spaces and boarding areas will be provided across about 11 hectares of water. Photo: Jelly Tse
100 Top Tables: Cities of Gastronomy

How Unesco’s Creative Cities are reimagining tomorrow, from food to design

From Macau’s City of Gastronomy status to Unesco’s new focus on architecture, the UCCN is rewriting how cities harness creativity to shape their future.

Supported by
Macau Government Tourism Office
Denise Bax, secretary of the Unesco Creative Cities Network, says the concept of a “creative city” has evolved from an economic driver to a model of culture-driven sustainable urban development. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong society

Plan for full taxi access to Discovery Bay sparks anger among residents

More than 1,100 people sign petition calling for greater public consultation.

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Hong Kong economy

Northern Metropolis land-use laws won’t undermine board’s authority: experts

Compressing procedures to two months will break traditional development ‘shackles’, lawmaker argues.

Hong Kong environmental issues

Opinion | To stay competitive, Hong Kong must embrace nature-based solutions

The government’s push for improved urban design is strategic and timely. Now it must turn ideas into action.

People admire blossoming lotus flowers at Long Valley Nature Park in Sheung Shui with the skyline of Shenzhen in the distance, on May 19, 2025. Photo: Eugene Lee
Hong Kong courts

Hong Kong government: golf course flats study has ‘no legal effect’ in appeal

Rule changes render environmental study moot, lawyer says as authorities appeal court ruling rejecting report’s approval.

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The Hong Kong Golf Club at Fanling. Photo: Elson Li
Hong Kong society

Town planning body slammed for neglecting disabled people over Wan Chai plan

Ex-legislator among those calling for review to make development plan covering Sau Wa Fong and Nam Koo Terrace more barrier-free.

Hong Kong society

HK$5 million plan to install anti-terrorism bollards near Hong Kong’s Sogo store

Authorities plan to place bollards and crash barriers at road crossings near Sogo in Causeway Bay and at the nearby Paterson Street pedestrian precinct.

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Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Northern Metropolis can combine best of central planning and free market

Guided by the national five-year plans, the Hong Kong government is changing policies and offering attractive terms for the project.

Illustration: Craig Stephens
Hong Kong society

Letters | How government-led building repairs can work in Hong Kong

Readers discuss the safeguards needed to ensure fairness and effectiveness, and public demand for the coin collection service.

Architecture and design

Hong Kong’s AI-driven future and human past contrasted in 2 riveting projects

Sterile AI-driven designs at the Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism\Architecture are at odds with a group’s efforts to preserve community stories.

Hong Kong housing

Opinion | Hong Kong’s fire victims need empathy, clarity and a plan

The fire must compel us to re-examine how we assign risk, structure contracts, insure homes and support communities after a catastrophe.

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Residents take shelter at Kwong Fuk Commercial Centre on November 27 as the Tai Po fire burns in the background. Photo: Eugene Lee
Hong Kong transport

Hong Kong’s MTR Corp gets green light to plan 7.5km South Island line extension

Transport chief Mable Chan describes the new project as the ‘future power line’ of Southern district.

The existing HKU station will be part of the line. Photo: Edmond So
Indonesia

Deadly Indonesia fire fuels claims of ‘back-room dealings’ on safety

Unions blame bribery for lax enforcement after 22 workers died in a burning Jakarta office building with no emergency exits.

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Accidents and personal safety

Letters | Hong Kong’s ageing buildings need better care under stronger rules

Readers call on the government to revamp the city’s governance of building management and repair, and rethink its approach to teenagers’ social media use.

Hong Kong culture

Opinion | Frank Gehry’s vision for Hong Kong’s arts hub was an opportunity lost

Years after Gehry delivered the Guggenheim Bilbao, one of the world’s most successful museums, his vision for Hong Kong was rejected.

Architect Frank Gehry at a press conference in front of a model of Luma Arles in Arles, France, in 2014. Photo: AFP
Asean

In wake of Hong Kong blaze, Southeast Asia’s fire hazards come under scrutiny

Serious structural defects and inefficient bureaucracy tainted by corruption are common in the region, fire safety experts say.

A person watches as a major fire engulfs residential buildings at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong on November 26. Photo: dpa
Hong Kong society

Letters | Commercialisation of Hong Kong’s public venues must come with a caveat

Readers discuss the government’s bid to open up underused public venues, call for a Firefighters’ Day, and take issue with the sensationalisation of news.

Hong Kong economy

Good deal for all? Can Hong Kong urban renewal body’s payout review fix scheme?

Cash-strapped Urban Renewal Authority is reviewing compensation scheme for flat owners forced out by redevelopment. But is a wider rethink needed?

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