The Hong Kong Government has invited expressions of interest (EOIs) from the private sector for the development of a luxury resort and marina at the ex-Lamma Quarry site, with the deadline set for 2 July 2025. The proposed project includes a 150 to 200-berth marina for yachts up to 50-metres in length, a five-hectare man-made lake and low-density residential development.
The invitation forms part of a broader initiative to promote island and coastal tourism, as outlined in the 2024 Policy Address. Alongside the ex-Lamma Quarry project, the Development Bureau (DEVB) has launched EOIs for two other rural tourism sites, South Lantau’s eco-recreation corridor and the eco-tourism nodes at Pak Nai and Tsim Bei Tsui. All three developments aim to capitalise on the city’s natural and cultural assets while strengthening tourism offerings through public-private partnerships.
Located on the northern coast of Sok Kwu Wan, the 25-hectare ex-quarry site comprises a 20-hectare platform area, a one-kilometre shoreline and a five-hectare man-made lake. The government is positioning the area as a tourism destination, with the proposed marina expected to enhance yacht tourism and facilitate island-hopping activities across Hong Kong’s outlying islands.
The DEVB has proposed a single-developer approach for the ex-Lamma Quarry site, with the project to be awarded via public tender. Authorities believe that a unified development model will enable a more cohesive design and allow the future developer greater flexibility in land-use planning. The approach is also expected to streamline the delivery of necessary infrastructure, such as roads and utility connections, by involving market forces.
To support the resort’s viability, the government plans to incorporate a mix of accommodations, including resort hotels, luxury campsites and boutique lodgings. The DEVB has stated that the project must undergo a full environmental assessment prior to construction.
The site is currently leased to a non-governmental organisation under a short-term tenancy for environmental education and wildlife-related activities. In November 2023, the DEVB initiated a planning study to explore how best to optimise the site’s natural features and connect it with nearby attractions such as seafood restaurants, hiking trails and village areas. Recommendations on land use and development models are expected to be finalised later in 2025.
Infrastructure upgrades have been a key focus in the government’s strategy to develop island tourism. Telecommunications infrastructure is also being upgraded under a subsidy scheme to extend fibre-based networks and improve mobile coverage in rural areas.
The government is simultaneously promoting thematic tourism on outlying islands through incentives for the travel trade and year-round campaigns such as the “Hong Kong Great Outdoors” initiative. Recent efforts have included the improvement of hiking trails, support for arts festivals and the development of in-depth cultural itineraries across sites such as Yim Tin Tsai, Sharp Island and Tung Ping Chau.
Three briefing sessions for the EOIs will be held on 14 April 2025. Details are available in the respective invitation documents published by the DEVB. The bureau will consider market feedback before proceeding with statutory planning and public tender arrangements.
