Transforming the Governance of Plan-Making in Hong Kong

Abstract

Purpose – This paper seeks to examine changing plan‐making governance processes in Hong Kong and identifies factors leading to the changes.

Design/methodology/approach – Both primary and secondary sources of data were collected. Various stakeholders were interviewed and analysis of Hong Kong planning policies, ordinances and guidelines was undertaken.

Findings – Since the late 1990s, plan‐making in Hong Kong has undergone a major shift in governance from that of an elitist‐led pro‐growth mode to one with more community engagement, environmental consciousness and sustainability. The Southeast Kowloon development scheme played a crucial role in triggering this shift.

Research limitations/implications – The paper focuses solely on one of the three planning systems in Hong Kong, plan‐making.

Practical implications – This paper provides a comprehensive discussion of the changing governing processes of Hong Kong's plan‐making and will be useful for policy‐makers when examining whether ruling strategies are responding well to changing circumstances. It also contributes to the existing governance literature by offering some insights into the nature of governance and the methodologies for studying it.

Originality/value – There is little literature linking governance and urban planning in Hong Kong. The paper offers a useful background and a framework for future studies.