ConstructioNews
Vol 29 No 5 (05-2020)
Agricultural Park in Kwu Tung South
Overall Background
The Government announced the implementation of the New Agricultural Policy (NAP) in the 2016 Policy Address. A number of initiatives are proposed to support the developments of the local agriculture. One of the major initiatives under the NAP is the setting up of the Agricultural Park, which will be managed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). The Agricultural Park aims at providing aid in nurturing farmers’ knowledges on agro-technology and modern farm management. New farming methods will be adopted to conduct commercial farming. It is expected that the Park can set an example to encourage other farms to adopt modern production methods, thereby enhancing the productivity of the local agricultural industry.
A cluster of farmlands of about 80 ha in Kwu Tung South in the New Territories has been selected as the site for the Agricultural Park. The selected area has been a traditional zone for vegetable growing. With the soil and irrigation supply nearby, the area is suitable for crop cultivation. The proposed site for the Park covers both government and private lands. The private land will be resumed and compensation will be made to the people affected. The area consists of both active and fallow farmland. While the active farmland will be developed following its original use, about 50 ha of fallow farmland will be rehabilitated. The majority of the area will be developed for agricultural use. The remaining area will be used for infrastructure and road construction to cater for the long-term operation and development of the Park. The Park will be divided into various areas for conventional, modern technological, and organic farming considering factors such as the topography and the micro-climate of the respective areas.
The Agricultural Park will be developed in two phases. The first phase (Phase 1) development of the Park will be in a relatively small scale, with a view to allowing part of the area to be commissioned as soon as possible. This phase can be considered as a pilot act for accumulating experience, so as to allow a more comprehensive future design and development of the Park.
Scope of Phase 1 Works
Phase 1 of the Agricultural Park covers an area of approximately 11 ha. Several works are proposed to cater for its operation and development.
One of the works is to construct a carriageway associated with footpaths to connect Tsiu Keng Road and Fan Kam Road. When Phase 1 of the Park is commissioned, there will be a sharp rise in arable farmland and therefore will result in a greater amount of production. A higher traffic demand will also be created. As a result, it is necessary to provide a new carriageway and footpaths. The proposed carriageway will be approximately 900-metre-long and will have a width of 7.3 metres, following the Rural Road type standard issued by the Transport Department. It allows large vehicles to enter the Park, facilitating farmers to transport their farm produce and equipment. It will also be open to the public for farming-related educational and experimental activities. Other related works include constructing a culvert bridge of about 5 metres wide. Two vehicular bridges with associated footpaths of 20 metres and 40 metres long respectively will also be built to connect the proposed carriageway. Facilities such as run-ins/run-outs, pedestrian crossings, refuge islands, embankments and retaining walls will be constructed as well. Upon commissioning of the second phase, this proposed carriageway will form part of the road network within the entire Agricultural Park.
The proposed works also covers the provision of associated park facilities, such as basic lodging and storage units. There will be about 40 temporary lodging units of around 15 square metres in size. The units are expected to provide a resting area with electricity, fresh water, basic cooking and sanitary facilities for tenants. The proposed storage units, which will be equipped with ventilation and lighting systems, are suggested to be distributed near the farmland to facilitate the farmers’ activities. The proposed lodging and storage units will be temporary. Practical operational needs of tenants will be examined and taken into account when planning the construction of permanent lodging and storage units in the second phase.
Other related infrastructure works are also covered in the project. The works include the construction of irrigation systems, underground conduits, and other facilities. Suggestions have been made regarding the supply of irrigation water. It is proposed that the nearby rivers and irrigation reservoir can be utilised as water sources for the Agricultural Park. Ponds for storing irrigation water are also planned to be constructed in the Park to ensure adequate water supply for future tenants.
Formation works will also be carried out for about 7.5 ha of land in Phase 1. The works include clearance, ploughing, as well as soil improvement.
To minimise potential impacts to the surrounding environment, mitigation measures will be implemented. Movable noise barriers will be set up and low-noise construction plants will be used during construction. Furthermore, semi-enclosures will be applied on powered mechanical equipment. Solid working platform will also be provided above watercourses so as to control construction noise, site run-off sewages and other potential pollution.
Current Progress and Works of the Next Stage
The detailed design for Phase 1 of the Agricultural Park has been completed and funding application for the project has been submitted. The proposed works will be commenced as early as possible for completion in stages between 2020 and 2021.
Upon completion of Phase 1, a more comprehensive and detailed plan regarding the exact boundary and specific design of Phase 2 will be established. The remaining works related to Phase 2 will be carried out subject to the operating experience gained in Phase 1.
Image Source:
Kwu Tung North / Fanling North New Development Area Website
The Government announced the implementation of the New Agricultural Policy (NAP) in the 2016 Policy Address. A number of initiatives are proposed to support the developments of the local agriculture. One of the major initiatives under the NAP is the setting up of the Agricultural Park, which will be managed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). The Agricultural Park aims at providing aid in nurturing farmers’ knowledges on agro-technology and modern farm management. New farming methods will be adopted to conduct commercial farming. It is expected that the Park can set an example to encourage other farms to adopt modern production methods, thereby enhancing the productivity of the local agricultural industry.
A cluster of farmlands of about 80 ha in Kwu Tung South in the New Territories has been selected as the site for the Agricultural Park. The selected area has been a traditional zone for vegetable growing. With the soil and irrigation supply nearby, the area is suitable for crop cultivation. The proposed site for the Park covers both government and private lands. The private land will be resumed and compensation will be made to the people affected. The area consists of both active and fallow farmland. While the active farmland will be developed following its original use, about 50 ha of fallow farmland will be rehabilitated. The majority of the area will be developed for agricultural use. The remaining area will be used for infrastructure and road construction to cater for the long-term operation and development of the Park. The Park will be divided into various areas for conventional, modern technological, and organic farming considering factors such as the topography and the micro-climate of the respective areas.
The Agricultural Park will be developed in two phases. The first phase (Phase 1) development of the Park will be in a relatively small scale, with a view to allowing part of the area to be commissioned as soon as possible. This phase can be considered as a pilot act for accumulating experience, so as to allow a more comprehensive future design and development of the Park.
Scope of Phase 1 Works
Phase 1 of the Agricultural Park covers an area of approximately 11 ha. Several works are proposed to cater for its operation and development.
One of the works is to construct a carriageway associated with footpaths to connect Tsiu Keng Road and Fan Kam Road. When Phase 1 of the Park is commissioned, there will be a sharp rise in arable farmland and therefore will result in a greater amount of production. A higher traffic demand will also be created. As a result, it is necessary to provide a new carriageway and footpaths. The proposed carriageway will be approximately 900-metre-long and will have a width of 7.3 metres, following the Rural Road type standard issued by the Transport Department. It allows large vehicles to enter the Park, facilitating farmers to transport their farm produce and equipment. It will also be open to the public for farming-related educational and experimental activities. Other related works include constructing a culvert bridge of about 5 metres wide. Two vehicular bridges with associated footpaths of 20 metres and 40 metres long respectively will also be built to connect the proposed carriageway. Facilities such as run-ins/run-outs, pedestrian crossings, refuge islands, embankments and retaining walls will be constructed as well. Upon commissioning of the second phase, this proposed carriageway will form part of the road network within the entire Agricultural Park.
The proposed works also covers the provision of associated park facilities, such as basic lodging and storage units. There will be about 40 temporary lodging units of around 15 square metres in size. The units are expected to provide a resting area with electricity, fresh water, basic cooking and sanitary facilities for tenants. The proposed storage units, which will be equipped with ventilation and lighting systems, are suggested to be distributed near the farmland to facilitate the farmers’ activities. The proposed lodging and storage units will be temporary. Practical operational needs of tenants will be examined and taken into account when planning the construction of permanent lodging and storage units in the second phase.
Other related infrastructure works are also covered in the project. The works include the construction of irrigation systems, underground conduits, and other facilities. Suggestions have been made regarding the supply of irrigation water. It is proposed that the nearby rivers and irrigation reservoir can be utilised as water sources for the Agricultural Park. Ponds for storing irrigation water are also planned to be constructed in the Park to ensure adequate water supply for future tenants.
Formation works will also be carried out for about 7.5 ha of land in Phase 1. The works include clearance, ploughing, as well as soil improvement.
To minimise potential impacts to the surrounding environment, mitigation measures will be implemented. Movable noise barriers will be set up and low-noise construction plants will be used during construction. Furthermore, semi-enclosures will be applied on powered mechanical equipment. Solid working platform will also be provided above watercourses so as to control construction noise, site run-off sewages and other potential pollution.
Current Progress and Works of the Next Stage
The detailed design for Phase 1 of the Agricultural Park has been completed and funding application for the project has been submitted. The proposed works will be commenced as early as possible for completion in stages between 2020 and 2021.
Upon completion of Phase 1, a more comprehensive and detailed plan regarding the exact boundary and specific design of Phase 2 will be established. The remaining works related to Phase 2 will be carried out subject to the operating experience gained in Phase 1.
Image Source:
Kwu Tung North / Fanling North New Development Area Website