Land Layout, Planning Scope, Supporting Studies
The consultant firm proposes revising three items in the master plan
The Review and Analysis Report on the Master Plan for the Territorial Development of the Macao Special Administrative Region (2020-2040) suggests that there are four categories of follow-up matters in the master plan. These include three major projects among the four key initiatives: the Macao International Integrated Tourism and Culture Zone, the Macao Science and Technology R&D Industrial Park, and the Macao Pearl River West Bank International Aviation Hub (Port). It also recommends updating relevant content based on research projects such as population and transportation.
Reviewing the Layout of Three Major Projects
The consultant firm presented the Review and Analysis Report on the Master Plan for the Territorial Development of the Macao Special Administrative Region (2020-2040), reviewing the latest developments related to the master plan.
The first category covers large-scale public construction projects:
- Macao International Integrated Tourism and Culture Zone: The preliminary sites are located on the west side of New Town Zone B and in New Town Zone C. It is recommended to retain the utility zone function on the west side of New Town Zone B, and revise the commercial and residential land in New Town Zone C to utility zones in whole or in part according to the actual land scale. It is also suggested to adjust the urban structure layout in the master plan, such as the development core areas.
- Macao Science and Technology R&D Industrial Park: The preliminary sites are adjacent to Vai Long Road and on the west side of New Town Zone E1. The analysis report points out that the cultural facilities in the Outer Harbour District II, including the Science Center, Cultural Center, and Guanyin Statue, have formed positive interactions with the cultural and tourism resources around the Macau Tower. This synergy is conducive to building a diversified industrial ecosystem and enhancing the overall attractiveness of the region. Meanwhile, the area has significant spatial potential, which can further strengthen the functional positioning of the “Cooperation Axis along the Two Banks of the River” and support the development of port economy, cultural exchanges, and cross-border tourism.According to the current master plan, the land adjacent to Vai Long Road is designated as a residential area, and the land on the west side of New Town Zone E1 is zoned for residential and commercial uses. It is recommended to revise the urban structure layout in the master plan (e.g., development cores) and adjust the land use planning, converting all or part of the relevant land to industrial purposes aligned with the positioning of the industrial park.
- Macao Pearl River West Bank International Aviation Hub (Port): The analysis report states that the selected site, adjacent to Macao International Airport and Taipa Ferry Terminal, enjoys favorable external transportation conditions. Its proximity to the North Industrial Zone will help generate industrial synergies.The latest expansion plan of Macao International Airport differs from the scope outlined in the master plan. In response to the airport expansion project, it is recommended to revise the relevant scope of the master plan.
It should be noted that the Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) City and the Macao International Airport Hengqin Pre-positioned Cargo Terminal are located in the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone and are not within the planning scope of this master plan.
Revising and Updating the Planning Scope
The second category involves the scope of jurisdiction implemented in accordance with laws, regulations, or chief executive announcements and directives.
Based on three new chief executive announcements, which include the State Council’s approval for the Macao SAR to take over and exercise jurisdiction over the second and third phases of the Macao Port Area and its extended areas at Hengqin Port, as well as the relevant land and sea areas on the southeast side of Gongbei Port, it is recommended to revise the scope of the master plan and amend or update related content accordingly, such as the boundaries of planning sub-zones.
Regarding cultural heritage protection, administrative regulations and chief executive directives issued after the master plan took effect include the Protection and Management Plan for the “Historic Centre of Macao”, the Fourth Batch of Immovable Property Evaluations, and the List of Protected Ancient and Famous Trees. It is suggested to update the public use restrictions under the development conditions specified in the master plan.
Regarding the coastline, in accordance with the coastline demarcation of Macao updated by relevant chief executive directives and the approval of the reclamation application for the waterway between the Macao Peninsula and New Town Zone A, it is recommended to maintain the current status of this waterway. It is also proposed to revise the relevant scope, land classification planning, and land use planning of the master plan based on the latest coastline, existing reclamation plans, and current land conditions.
Studying Population and Transportation Development
The third category pertains to research projects.
In terms of population, based on the medium-projection scenario in the Macao Population Projections (2016-2036) released by the Statistics and Census Service, as well as the newly published Macao Population Projections (2022-2041), the projected population in 2040 is approximately 783,000. It is recommended to update the population-related content in the master plan to more accurately reflect the social development trends.
In terms of transportation, the SAR government is conducting planning research on the expansion of the Macao Light Rail Transit lines. It is necessary to consider supporting the deepening of Macao-Hengqin connectivity, building a transportation system that keeps pace with the times to effectively connect various districts of Macao, and improving the efficiency of traffic diversion between and within districts. It is recommended to revise the transportation-related content in the master plan and make corresponding amendments or updates, such as the schematic diagram of comprehensive transportation planning.
The fourth category involves other technical adjustments. It is suggested to optimize and fine-tune the expressions and diagrams in the master plan based on the actual implementation situation.
