The outline concept plans for Kai Tak will be ready for discussion by September and revision to the outline zoning plan will be completed by mid-2008, Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands Michael Suen says, adding his bureau is exploring ways to expedite the process.

He told lawmakers today outline concept plan options are being prepared in consultation with the collaborators of Kai Tak Planning Review. The review is slated to be completed by mid-2006, after which details of the land use will be outlined in the recommended development plan.

Mr Suen said the statutory process to revise the approved outline zoning plan will begin as soon as the recommended development plan has been confirmed to be feasible from the engineering and environmental angles under the engineering review. Revisions to the outline zoning plan will be completed by mid-2008. Nevertheless, the concerned departments are now considering ways to advance the engineering investigations to expedite the process.

On the disposal of government land, Mr Suen noted this will be carried out according to the prevailing land policy and established mechanism.

Under the existing land policy, land for private uses such as commercial, residential or industrial  will be disposed of through public auction or public tender as appropriate.

Land for public use such as public housing, hospitals and  schools will normally be disposed of by way of direct grant.