Changes to Transit and Housing Plans for Pak Shek Kok
白石角交通與房屋計劃變更
Introduction
The Development Bureau has announced a new location for the Pak Shek Kok MTR station and decided that future housing developments in the area will be limited to the private sector.
發展局已宣布白石角地鐵站的新位置，並決定該地區未來的房屋發展將僅限於私營部門。
Main Body
The new two-storey station is expected to start construction in late 2028 and should be finished by 2033. The station will now be located near the Hong Kong Science Park and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, instead of the Education University of Hong Kong (EduHK) Sports Centre. Officials emphasized that this change provides a more central location for residents and workers. Furthermore, the new site reduces safety risks, as the previous location had a curve that would have created dangerous gaps between the platform and the trains.
新的兩層車站預計將於2028年下旬開始施工，並應於2033年完工。車站現在將位於香港科學園與香港中文大學附近，而非香港教育大學（EduHK）體育館。官員強調，此次變動為居民與工作者提供了更中心的位置。此外，新地點降低了安全風險，因為原先的位置有一個彎道，會在月台與列車之間產生危險的縫隙。
During a Tai Po District Council meeting, some members questioned the project's timeline and suggested using construction methods from mainland China to speed up the work. However, the Railway Development Office explained that because the station must connect to the existing East Rail Line, they cannot use the same fast methods used for new projects like the Northern Link. They also noted that train frequencies on the current line will not be significantly affected.
在太古區議會會議期間，部分議員質疑項目的時間表，並建議採用中國內地的施工方法以加快進度。然而，鐵路發展辦公室解釋，由於車站必須連接現有的東鐵線，因此無法使用如 Northern Link 等新項目所採用的快速方法。他們還指出，目前線路的列車班次不會受到顯著影響。
Regarding housing, the government decided to allow only private residential projects in Pak Shek Kok. This is because the area's character and the high cost of providing the necessary services for public housing make private development more practical. Additionally, the current utility systems need expensive upgrades. To pay for these improvements and the relocation of the EduHK Sports Centre, the government has given land in Pak Shek Kok and Ma On Shan to the MTR Corporation for private housing development.
關於房屋部分，政府決定在白石角僅允許私營住宅項目。這是因為該地區的特性以及提供公共房屋所需服務的高昂成本，使得私營開發更具可行性。此外，目前的公共設施系統需要昂貴的升級。為了支付這些改善工程及搬遷教大體育館的費用，政府已將白石角與馬鞍山的土地撥交給地鐵公司，用於私人房屋開發。
Conclusion
The project is moving forward with a new station location and a private housing plan, with a target completion date of 2033.
該項目正向前推進，已確定新車站位置與私人房屋計劃，目標完工日期為2033年。
Vocabulary Learning
The 'Logic Bridge': Moving from Simple to Complex Connections
At the A2 level, you likely use and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need to signal precise relationships between ideas. This article is a goldmine for this transition.
🚀 Leveling Up Your Connectors
Look at how the text moves beyond basic words to create a professional tone:
-
Instead of "Also" Use "Furthermore"
- A2: The station is in a good place. Also, it is safer.
- B2: The change provides a more central location... Furthermore, the new site reduces safety risks.
- Why? "Furthermore" adds a layer of importance to the second point.
-
Instead of "But" Use "However"
- A2: Some people wanted fast methods, but the office said no.
- B2: ...suggested using construction methods from mainland China to speed up the work. However, the Railway Development Office explained...
- Why? "However" creates a stronger contrast and is standard for academic or business reports.
-
Instead of "Because" (at the start) Use "Additionally" + Logic
- A2: Because the systems are old, they need upgrades.
- B2: Additionally, the current utility systems need expensive upgrades.
- Why? B2 speakers group supporting reasons together using sequencing words to make the argument feel structured rather than like a list of random facts.
🛠️ The B2 Vocabulary Shift: 'Precision' Words
Stop using "good," "bad," or "do." Notice these high-impact choices from the text:
| A2 Word | B2 Upgrade | Context from Text |
|---|---|---|
| Change | Relocation | "...the relocation of the EduHK Sports Centre" |
| Practical | Significant | "...will not be significantly affected" |
| Possible | Practical | "...make private development more practical" |
Pro Tip: To sound more B2, focus on the result of an action. Don't just say "they changed the station"; say "the change provides a more central location."