Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn today said the Government will not be too hasty in changing the use of a site after a failed tender, as it will upset the balance of the different land uses it has in mind.

Speaking to reporters after attending a radio programme this morning, Ms Linn noted that recent failed tenders were largely due to the current local and global economic environment, which was not permanent.

“Whenever we have a failed tender, we will consider rolling out the site again sometime later, under different market circumstances and sometimes with adjustments to the tender conditions.”

She stressed that the Government's first reaction should not be to change the use of a site after a failed tender.

“We should not run to knee-jerk reactions because the land uses for different parcels of land are premised on comprehensive planning and known demand. So if we change it too readily, it will upset the balance of the different land uses we have in mind.” 

Ms Linn also noted that failed tenders will not affect the Government’s development plans as tenders are made in reaction to particular market conditions, while producing land and increasing supply are long-term tasks.

“We have to be determined to roll out different sources of land supply if we are to meet the different demands of land for Hong Kong's development,” she added.