Tai Po Development - HKU Libraries

Three main bus terminals are to be provided — one next to
Tai Po Market Railway Station and an other on reclaimed
land. The third terminal will be incorporated within the
industrial estate, and certain housing estates may be
provided with sub-terminals to cater for local feeder
services.
An extensive network of cycle tracks and pedestrian ways,
separated from the major roads, will also be developed.
Housing
Three public housing estates are planned for Tai Po, to
accommodate about 83,000 people.
Construction work on the first estate, for 30,000 people,
has started and it should be occupied by the end of 1980.
Land formation work for the estate is already in progress
adjacent to Ting Kok Road. The second estate to provide
homes for 30,000 people, will be located north of Kwong
Fuk Road between Island House and the Police Bungalow.
The last estate will be to the south of Tai Po Central Area
and will accommodate about 23,000 people.
Private residential development areas provided for in the
plan are expected to house another 55,000 people. The
existing residential areas have an estimated maximum
population capacity of 29,000. Developments in the
peripheral areas, including low-density residential use in
some of the borrow areas, are expected to accommodate
the balance of future population growth.
Recreation
As nearly 30 per cent of the population of the expanded
town will be under the age of 15, emphasis will be placed
on the provision of an adequate range of recreational
facilities linked together by the cycle track and footpath
systems.
The types of open space to be provided will range from
active areas for organised games to landscaped picnic and
viewing areas in the surrounding foothills.
A stadium and a swimming pool complex will be provided
as well as riverside walks and waterfront open space.
Weekend ferry trips to the Sai Kung Peninsula area are
expected to continue to increase in popularity, with the
improved ferry facilities at the Tai Po Kau being used more
intensively.
Special emphasis has been placed on this aspect of the
development and a comprehensive study on landscaping
and recreational facilities is being undertaken to
recommend and co-ordinate action that will enhance the
environment of the new development.
One of the aims of the landscaping plan is to retain the
present harmony between the town and the surrounding
countryside and harbour.
Industry and Employment
Several areas have been set aside in the plan for the
development of light industries, including service trades.
The Tai Po Industrial Estate now under development is
expected to provide better prospects for skilled workers
within the community. Some workshop sites for smallscale
service trades will be provided at appropriate locations
within the high density residential areas. Commercial
establishments within the town will also provide
employment opportunities.