Idle land can be a ‘double-edged sword’, says urban planner

Urban planner Teng Kai On from the Macao Urban Planning Institute described the government’s recent decision to temporarily use nine pieces of idle land as a “double-edged sword,” meaning that this decision carries both potential benefits and significant risks.

The government recently announced the release of nine plots of idle land for temporary use, designating three (plot B13 in Zone A of the New Urban Landfills, plot C8 at Nam Van Lake, and plot BT7 in Taipa) as “temporary sports venues,” with plans to open them to the public by the second half of 2026.

Interviewed on a public broadcaster’s radio program yesterday, Teng emphasized that while the temporary use of idle land can meet residents’ urgent needs and increase land utility, it may present challenges for future formal use.

“It is crucial for all sectors of society to strive for mutual understanding and reach a consensus. We do not dismiss the possibility of temporary use, as it is generally accepted. If future development aligns with this, it could be formalized, but this is not a prerequisite. We hope everyone understands this,” he said.

While praising the government for its innovative approach to land management, particularly its open and proactive stance on temporary land use, he however, urged the government to clarify the definitions of land reserves and temporary land use, noting that the characteristics of temporary land use include low investment, reversibility, and flexibility for changing or diversifying uses.

According to Teng, the location of idle land affects its future use. Therefore, the government should gather public input and conduct scientific studies to understand the land’s features. He believes that once the government improves its land reserve mechanism, it can speed up plans for the temporary use of idle land.

A written inquiry by lawmaker Che Sai Wang early this year noted that currently, there are around 700 plots of idle land in Macau, covering a potential development area of approximately 1.2 million square meters. This idle land is retained by the authorities as a form of land reserve, with some spaces remaining unused for as long as ten years, resulting in what is referred to as “secondary idleness.”

Among the nine plots of idle land in the plan, the site of the former Macau Canidrome (Yat Yuen) will be redeveloped into a public sports park. This project is set to be put out to tender soon and will be executed in two phases.

The Sports Bureau, after consulting with the Public Works Bureau and Land and Urban Construction Services Bureau, responded to another written inquiry from lawmakers Ngan Iek Hang, stating that the project will be developed in phases, with the first phase focused on minimizing disruption to the existing athletics facilities at the sports field and the Lin Fong Sports Center.

According to the authorities, the public tender process is expected to commence by the end of the second quarter of this year, ensuring that residents will continue to access the swimming pool and athletics facilities.