The Integrated Development Plan for Hengqin New Area, the Zhuhai Free Trade Zone, and Neighboring Hongwan & Wanzai Areas was among several urban development plans advanced on Aug 3.

The merged additional city core will cover 46.6 sq km (18 sq miles). It comprises north Small Hengqin Mt, north Shizimen Business District, Zhuhai Free Trade Zone, Zhuhai-Macao Cross-Border Industrial Zone, Hongwan Commercial & Logistics Center, Hongwan Port, and Hongwan Fishing Harbor area.

The intent was announced at a work meeting of the Municipal Urban & Rural Planning Commission chaired by Mayor Yao Yisheng. It is to create a new urban center, cooperative platform for Guangdong and Hong Kong, and growth pole for the west of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Hengqin New Area plays key role in urban development [Photo courtesy hengqinrecord.com]

Also approved are revisions to the regulatory plan for Western Central Urban Area Zone B. The site will come under the concepts of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), city-industry integration, innovation-driven, Sponge City, and comprehensive hub. The plan also calls for improved transportation, development vitality, land value, and ecological environment. The objective is a production-based service center and innovative entrepreneurship base facing the west bank of the Pearl River.

Meanwhile, Fenghuang Mt Small Tourism Town in the north of Zhuhai is proposed in the design and regulatory plan to represent the best of Fenghuang Mt Scenic Spot. It will comprise the core area of the Mountain Forest Park and Jiechong, Lixi, Fuxi, Nanxi, Dongkeng, and Shangchong villages in Qianshan. The town is to be a tourist service nucleus of leisure and tourism, key industrial innovation fulcrum of Zhuhai central urban area, and ideal residential area of west Xiangzhou District.

Furthermore, a project to revitalize the Xiawan Wholesale Market urban renewal project, enhance the Qianshan Waterway shoreline, and improve public service facilities in the Gongbei residential area was approved. It is expected to upgrade the quality of life in the area.