Chapter 15: Expansion of Technological Infrastructure

The Cyberport project, announced in 1999, is designed to provide a world-class infrastructure for clustering of like-minded companies specialising in applications of information technology (IT), information services and multimedia content creation. The Cyberport will have state-of-the-art facilities, and be able to accommodate over 100 companies. These companies will bring with them a critical mass of talented professionals and they together will develop a new international IT centre within the Cyberport.

The Cyberport has captured global and local attention as it takes shape at Telegraph Bay in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island. The project is making good progress. Construction highlights in 2001 included commencement of construction of the Cybercentre in April, the Cyberport Phase CII office building in June and the Cyberport Phase CIII office building in September. The first Cyberport office building was topped out by the Financial Secretary in November.

The Cyberport project is scheduled for completion in phases between early 2002 and 2004. The project team comprises experts from within Hong Kong and from all parts of the world, supported by many local and overseas contractors and consultants. Some 4 000 jobs are also being created in the construction industry while the Cyberport is being built.

Another major project under way is the Science Park in Tai Po, which will further enhance Hong Kong's technological infrastructure. The Science Park is intended to become a key location for technology-based companies wishing to be members of a world-class technology community, with a park-like environment and state-of-the-art facilities in which to conduct innovative business in fields such as electronics, information technology, biotechnology and precision engineering.

The Science Park is being built on a reclamation area and will have a total area of 22 hectares. It is being developed in phases. Phase 1 comprises nine buildings with a total floor area of 120 000 square metres. The first batch of three buildings will open in mid-2002 and the entire Phase 1 is scheduled to be completed in early 2004. In view of the strong market demand, planning for Phase 2 began in mid-2001 and the construction work is expected to start in early 2003.