Done deal: Shenzhen Municipal Government Executive Vice Mayor Li Feng and Secretary for Development Carrie Lam sign the Letter of Intent on the Use of Cross-boundary Land upon the Training of Shenzhen River.

Engineering works for the Liantang-Heung Yuen Wai project will start in Hong Kong and Shenzhen in 2013.

At a meeting in Shenzhen today, the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Joint Task Force on Boundary District Development reviewed reports on the progress of the Liantang-Heung Yuen Wai Control Point.

Hong Kong and Shenzhen authorities will work closely on the project and regular reviews will be conducted to ensure the checkpoint opens on schedule in 2018.

A design competition will be held for the passenger terminal building. Details will be finalised later.

Loop development

Based on the public views collected last June and July on the future use of the Lok Ma Chau Loop, both sides initially considered higher education could be the leading use for the loop, complemented with hi-tech research and development facilities, as well as cultural and creative industries.

A comprehensive study will be launched to explore the loop's development and nearby areas which can provide infrastructure and support facilities.

As the preparation work has been progressing well, the comprehensive study will start in June for completion in 2011.

Cross-boundary land

After the completion of the first three stages of the training of the Shenzhen River, nine pieces of land, including the Lok Ma Chau Loop area, will fall into the jurisdiction of both governments.

Apart from confirming the land use for the Lok Ma Chau Loop area, the task force agreed to develop the remaining eight pieces of cross-boundary land into greening spots, an ecological park and artificial wetland.

Both sides signed the Letter of Intent on the Use of Cross-boundary Land upon Training of the Shenzhen River, which will facilitate the use of the land lots for mutual benefit. The letter will also serve as a reference document for the next stage of work.