Hong Kong is advancing a major development project known as the Northern Metropolis, which involves the planned demolition of 30,000 hectares of marshlands, farmland, and areas home to 25 traditional villages, according to the Liber Research Community, a non-governmental organization. The project aims to build a new urban area that would house 2.5 million people and create 650,000 jobs, based on government projections. It is also intended to boost technological development and foster closer ties with nine neighboring Chinese cities, including Shenzhen, which is a major hub for innovation and commerce. The project has sparked concerns among environmentalists and community advocates, who warn that it could have significant negative impacts on local ecosystems, wildlife, and the livelihoods of residents. Critics also question the long-term financial viability of the project. A key component of the plan is the development of data centers, including the Sandy Ridge Data Facility, a sprawling 110,000-square-meter complex to be developed by Hong Kong Range Intelligent Computing Technology Company Limited. These data centers are expected to support the region's growing digital infrastructure and technological industry. The Northern Metropolis project was first proposed in 2021, during a period when China has increasingly asserted its influence over Hong Kong, particularly after the implementation of new national security laws in 2020. The initiative could enhance China's access to international networks, financial markets, and the research infrastructure already established in Hong Kong. In August of this year, the first land plots for the project were allocated to six companies, including JD.com, one of China's largest e-commerce firms. The government estimates that the project will require at least 24.6 billion euros in construction costs and hopes it will contribute 13 percent of Hong Kong's GDP in the future. However, the scale and complexity of the project have led to ongoing debates about its environmental impact, social consequences, and economic sustainability. As construction moves forward, the balance between development and preservation remains a central concern for many in the region.