Arup to accelerate the next chapter of Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen and Lau Fau Shan New Development Area in Hong Kong

Arup is appointed by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) to deliver the Design and Construction of the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area (HSK/HT NDA) Remaining Phase Development and Lau Fau Shan New Development Area (LFS NDA) Phase 1 Development, in a joint venture with AtkinsRéalis.

The commission marks an important milestone in our long-standing commitment to the Northern Metropolis. The project will bring urban-rural integration to life by respecting the area’s local character and culture, while creating better connections between the new development areas and existing communities such as Tin Shui Wai.

Situated in the west of the Northern Metropolis and just a bay away from Shenzhen’s Qianhai, the HSK/HT NDA and LFS NDA are significant parts of the Northern Metropolis. Strategically positioned with a robust transportation network, the HSK/HT NDA brings together high-end professional services, modern logistics, and a regional commercial centre. The LFS NDA is positioned as a digital technology hub and eco-tourism destination. It is set to provide around 43,000 employment opportunities and around 50,000 residential units, along with about 5,000 talent accommodation units.

Arup’s involvement in this area is well established, helping lay the groundwork for the NDA’s transformation across a wide spectrum of disciplines — planning, civil and geotechnical engineering, highways and bridges, water, environmental, landscape design, tender documentation, contract administration and community engagement. Our involvement dates back to the 1990s, beginning with the Yuen Long section of the former West Rail (MTR Tuen Ma Line), followed by the Deep Bay Link (Kong Sham Western Highway) and the LFS Rural Township Study. That work continues today through the HSK/HT Second Phase Development, the district cooling system, public housing site works, and the Feasibility and Investigation Studies for Lau Fau Shan, Tsim Bei Tsui and Pak Nai. Across these projects and many more, we have steadily advanced the area’s sustainable development.

As a key driving consultant for urban–rural integration in the Northern Metropolis, we are helping shape a vision that goes beyond physical connectivity. Through community engagement-led pilots and Nature-based Solutions, we are bringing urban and natural systems into closer balance, blending blue-green networks, ecological revitalisation and cultural heritage so that people, nature and development can flourish together.

We have also brought leading-edge digital thinking to the area. Our CEDD AI Agent for construction programme management in HSK/HT NDA Second Phase Development is an AI solution that consolidates and analyses the planned construction activities across multiple contracts, enabling one-stop programme interface management. The solution earned a Bronze Award at the CIC AI Award 2026.

Being entrusted with this significant development is a proud moment that reflects our years of dedication to HSK/HT and LFS NDAs. This area is complex, bringing together new communities, rural villages, sensitive natural landscapes and cutting-edge infrastructure. Drawing on the deep local knowledge, our commitment to community engagement and nature, and the digital and AI tools we have pioneered here, we look forward to working hand in hand with CEDD, AtkinsRéalis and the wider community to unlock lasting value for this area and the city. - Theresa Yeung, Managing Principal, East Asia