The Macao Urban Master Plan is under public consultation following revisions

The local government is gathering public opinion on the first-ever amendment to the 2020-2040 Macao Urban Master Plan, as part of a 60-day public consultation scheduled to run between today and 27 August. 

At an information session reported by local media this morning, Macao’s secretary for transport and public works, Raymond Tam, said the modification to the master plan primarily covered two major areas. They include changes made to accommodate the development of large-scale public infrastructure projects such as the Macau International Integrated Tourism and Cultural Zone, the Macau Science and Technology Research and Development Industrial Park and the Macao international air cargo hub on the west bank of the Pearl River. 

Another reason for amending the Macao Urban Master Plan was due to updates to the relevant laws, guidelines and studies in recent years.

At the same time, the authorities hope to align the plan with China’s strategy for development and have it facilitate Macao and Hengqin’s integrated development. 

[See more: Macao to fast-track four major infrastructure projects, transport chief says]

According to the consultation document published by the Land and Urban Construction Bureau, some of the changes made to the Macao Urban Master Plan include incorporating the idea of Macao as an international hub for high-calibre talents into the city’s development positioning. 

It also takes into account the SAR’s need for “diversified industry” development. 

Meanwhile, Macao’s forecast population in 2040 has been revised from the original plan’s total of approximately 808,000 to the new figure of roughly 783,000.

Further changes to Macao Urban Master Plan

Changes have also been made to the zoning of specific land in the city. For instance, the as yet unnamed artificial island known as New Urban Zone C has seen its classification modified from a residential and commercial area to a public facility area that will be developed into the Macau International Integrated Tourism and Cultural Zone. 

Moreover, the western side of New Urban Zone E1 and the land on Avenida Wai Long have been reassigned from residential areas to commercial and industrial areas respectively, in order to facilitate construction of the Macau Science and Technology Research and Development Industrial Park. 

In a similar vein, the scope of Macao’s airport will be expanded to allow for the development of the planned cargo hub on Pearl River’s west bank, with the area set to be designated as a public infrastructure area. 

The Macao side of the Hengqin Port, along with the extended area’s second and third phase will also be included in the government’s land use plan, earning classification as a public infrastructure area. 

To further deepen Macao and Hengqin’s integration, the government has also proposed integrating the Macao Light Rapid Transit system’s proposed routes into the overall transport plan. 

During the consultation period, three general public sessions, as well as one community group session are set to be organised. For more information about the consultation on the Macao Urban Master Plan, click here.