Hong Kong breaks ground on Northern Metropolis data centre to power AI push

he data centre in the Northern Metropolis spans more than 110,000 square metres.

Photo: Edmond So Construction has begun on a major data centre in Northern Metropolis, with Hong Kong’s innovation and technology minister saying the project will supercharge the city’s computing power and drive the national AI push.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Saturday at the Range (Hong Kong) Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster, which spans more than 110,000 square metres.

Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong said the project was a leap forward in the city’s innovation and technology development.

He added that the move was an important step in the city’s contribution to national high-quality development and integration into China’s AI Plus initiative. “The cluster is a key project for innovation and technology development in Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis, and will further solidify the city’s leading position as a data connectivity hub connecting China and the world,” he said. “The cluster will strengthen the deep integration of artificial intelligence and industrial development, which resonates with our country’s strategy of implementing AI Plus.” Sun said that after commencing operations in 2029, the cluster would shoulder three missions, including becoming a data hub connecting mainland China and the world to provide secure, efficient and reliable infrastructure for data circulation.

Tech chief Sun Dong says the project marks a leap forward in the city’s innovation and technology development.

Photo: Edmond So The centre was also expected to become a core engine for promoting the development of Hong Kong’s artificial intelligence industry and attracting firms and talent, and aligning with the country’s 15th five-year plan for 2026 to 2030.

The data facility cluster is located in Northern Metropolis, a megaproject that aims to turn 30,000 hectares of land into an engine for economic growth and a housing hub.

The Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau announced earlier this month that the site was awarded to Hong Kong Range Intelligent Computing Technology Company for developing an advanced data facility cluster on a 50-year land grant.

It was the sole bidder for the project.

Zhou Chaonan, chairwoman of the ultimate holding company Range Intelligent Computing Technology Group Company, said Hong Kong’s high-quality education and talent pool attracted the firm to the site. “Today we have arrived in Hong Kong with firm steps, and we

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