The Sub-Urbanisation of New Towns: The Influence of Job-Housing Imbalance on Low-Income Groups’ Job Opportunities in Tin Shui Wai, Hong Kong

The rapid suburbanisation of Hong Kong has been driven by the government’s public housing-led planning of new towns, and the interaction between transport systems and land use. Several new towns scattered around the territory have not been able to achieve self-sufficiency, which has led to the separation of job-housing spaces, resulting in a reduced quality of life, a lack of vibrancy, and social mobility. Tin Shui Wai has attracted special attention for its social problems and mental health issues, related to urban planning. Literature and official reports indicate that the inability of new towns to be self-sufficient, and the spatial mismatch between housing and employment are the main reasons for the economic and social problems faced by residents in the area. This study analyses the relationships between the jobs-housing imbalance, employment opportunities, and low-income groups. It uses newly collected planning data to identify root causes for the lack of employment and community vibrancy for low-income groups in Tin Shui Wai, to propose recommendations for interventions in the urban fabric to promote social mobility and neighbourhood vitality. The study provides a new perspective for planning and designing community facilities, street-based retail, and active public spaces within the urban structures of Hong Kong’s New Towns.