Latest news with #Linn
RTHK
11 hours ago
- Business
- RTHK
Northern Metropolis tender details in progress: Linn
Northern Metropolis tender details in progress: Linn Development chief Bernadette Linn says the focus is on developing the Northern Metropolis. File photo: RTHK Authorities are hammering out details before putting one or two sizeable land parcels in the Northern Metropolis project up for tender in the second half of 2025, development chief Bernadette Linn said on Saturday. The minister said officials are prioritising development in the northern New Territories, while brushing aside calls to shelve the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands project. "The economy is growing steadily, and the government hopes that all sectors will focus on development in the Northern Metropolis. We have made it clear that we don't have a specific timetable for the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands plan, and we are slowing down," Linn told a Commercial Radio programme. "In terms of the word 'shelve', if it means we will never continue with it, I think the government should have the lead in land development and we should not casually say we will never do something in the future." The administration had earlier received submissions from both local and mainland firms expressing an interest in developing the three large-scale land parcels in the Northern Metropolis project. "We are now analysing and preparing detailed terms of the tender, with the goal of starting the bidding process for at least one or two land parcels in the latter half of the year," she said. On plans to develop three major ecotourism projects in outlying islands and coastal areas, Linn said the plan to transform the ex-Lamma Quarry site might be the first on the list. Authorities aim to complete the area's land use planning in the first half of next year, before starting the tendering process, she said. The other two plans include developing a new Eco-Recreation Corridor in South Lantau, and creating ecotourism nodes at Tsim Bei Tsui and Pak Nai.
HKFP
5 days ago
- Politics
- HKFP
‘Soft resistance' may arise during Hong Kong development, official warns
Hong Kong needs to guard against 'soft resistance,' which may emerge during the city's development process, a government official has warned. 'Soft resistance' may arise in areas such as land development, compensation for resettlement, and reclamation projects, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn told Beijing-backed newspaper Wen Wei Po in an interview published on Sunday. The development chief was among high-ranking officials who gave media interviews addressing 'soft resistance' and national security concerns in recent days, ahead of the fifth anniversary of the Beijing-imposed national security law on Monday next week. Linn said the Development Bureau must 'think from the national security perspective' in its work and make 'timely clarifications' when misunderstandings about the government's development plans arise. She cited the San Tin Technopole development plan, which has drawn concerns from environmental groups over its impact on what they described as the largest remaining intact coastal wetland ecosystem in the Greater Bay Area. The tech hub's planning zone, which was expanded in May 2023 to over 600 hectares, involves wetlands, and thus the project would 'easily provoke opposition' from environmentalists, Linn said. 'The process of development may easily stir up different emotions and opposition. Some objections are reasonable, some arise from misunderstandings, and some are deliberately manufactured with ill intent. We have to handle it carefully,' the minister said. Linn went on to say that reclamation development in the city was often met with 'soft resistance,' citing the amendment to the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance, which was passed by the city's opposition-free legislature last month. The new law made it easier for the government to create new land through reclamation in the city's famed Victoria Harbour despite objections from environmental activists. Without naming a group, Linn said in Sunday's interview that some organisations had spread 'false images' online claiming that the government planned large-scale reclamation in Victoria Harbour. She said the government had issued a 'timely rebuttal,' adding that the claims were not misunderstandings but rather 'deliberate provocation.' In January, the Development Bureau issued a statement on social media to 'seriously refute misleading remarks by the Society for Protection of the Harbour.' The statement came hours after the environmental group held a press conference expressing opposition to the ordinance amendment. Its representatives, including harbour protection advocate Paul Zimmerman, questioned whether the legal amendment paved the way for large-scale reclamation and raised concerns that Victoria Harbour could become 'Victoria River.' The bureau rejected the group's claims, saying they were 'factually incorrect.' The bureau also accused the group of using 'fictitious images' to support its claims. In a press release issued by the Society for Protection of the Harbour in July, the group included an image of Victoria Harbour alongside the slogan 'Save Our Harbour' and the phrases 'Stop Reclamation' and 'Danger.' The same image was shown at the group's press conference in January. Since 2021, government officials have cited 'soft resistance' as a threat to national security, although they have not provided a clear definition of the term. The phrase was repeatedly used by government officials in their recent media interviews leading up to the national security law anniversary. Last week, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law said the government will strictly vet applications for event subsidies and performance venues, as well as exhibition content and library collections, to prevent 'soft resistance.' Monday, June 30, marks five years since the national security law came into effect. The legislation was inserted directly into the Basic Law, Hong Kong's mini-constitution, in 2020 following months-long pro-democracy protests and unrest. It criminalised subversion, secession, collusion with foreign forces and terrorist acts – broadly defined to include disruption to transport and other infrastructure. The move gave police sweeping new powers and led to hundreds of arrests amid new legal precedents, while dozens of civil society groups disappeared. The authorities say it restored stability and peace to the city, rejecting criticism from trade partners, the UN and NGOs.
RTHK
06-06-2025
- Business
- RTHK
URA to get two government sites for residential use
URA to get two government sites for residential use The government says the two sites are to be rezoned for residential use. File photo: RTHK The Chief Executive in Council has approved the granting of two sites to the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), with the plots to be rezoned for residential use. In a statement on Friday, the government said the sites on Bailey Street in Hung Hom and Tseung Kwan O Area 137 will be handed over to the URA by private treaty for a term of 50 years, at nominal premium of HK$1,000. It said, according to its understanding, the two sites will be rezoned for residential use through town planning procedures. Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn said granting the sites to the URA helps the body fulfil its urban renewal mission amid a sluggish property market. "The granting of the two sites to the URA could also benefit the community. Specifically, the Bailey Street site can create synergy with the URA's cluster of redevelopment projects in the Kowloon City area," Linn said. "As for the Tseung Kwan O Site, the original housing development of which has been deferred due to re-prioritisation of the Hong Kong Housing Authority's projects, granting the site to the URA would optimise the use of the land resources in a timely manner." The government said the site on Bailey Street, with a net area of 7,610 square metres, would have an estimated a total gross floor area of about 68,000 square metres. The site in Tseung Kwan O, it said, has a net area of about 9.15 hectares, and would have a total gross floor area of about 713,700 square metres. The URA said it welcomes the decision and will make good use of the extra revenue generated from the two sites.
Edinburgh Live
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
extremist gang warnings, Eurovision rejection and reclusive lifestyles
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Ace of Base, the creators of some of the most memorable Europop tunes of the 90s, have a history as colourful as their music. Their journey, from modest beginnings in Sweden to encounters with gangland threats and even an unsuccessful Eurovision bid, is nothing short of a rollercoaster ride... The electro-pop outfit hailing from Scandinavia was born in Gothenburg in 1987, comprising siblings Jonas, Linn and Jenny Berggren, with Ulf Ekberg rounding off the quartet. Starting out in the local club scene, the group initially found it tough to make their mark, given the Swedes' preference for heavy metal—a stark contrast to their techno beats. However, their fortunes changed when their single, Wheel of Fortune, hit the charts, paving the way for their next release, All that She Wants, to catapult them to global stardom. The track went platinum and dominated the UK charts for three consecutive weeks in 1993. (Image: Phillippe Caron/ Getty) Their winning streak continued with hits like The Sign, becoming a club anthem worldwide in the early 90s. But, as quickly as they ascended to fame, they faded into obscurity just as swiftly, reports the Daily Record. The last sighting of the group was during a series of concerts between 2007 and 2009, where they performed as a trio without Linn. Since then, the original band members have all embarked on vastly different journeys. Jenny Berggren Jenny, a former member of the band who left in the late 00s, was the only one to pursue a solo music career and also ventured into writing. In 2009, she penned her autobiography Vinna hela världen, which translates to 'To Win the World' in English; however, a translated version never saw publication. Her solo musical journey began in 2010 with the release of her single, Here I Am, which peaked at number 14 on the Swedish charts. She followed up with another single, Gotta Go, and her debut album, My Story, within the same year. (Image:) Additionally, Jenny made an attempt to represent Denmark at the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest with her track, Let Your Heart B Mine, but did not secure the nomination. In 2024, she joined Ulf in the documentary, Ace of Base: All That She Wants, which delved into the band's history. During the programme, she shared a harrowing incident from the early '90s when an intruder broke into her home and threatened her with a knife. Reflecting on the terrifying event in an interview with People, Jenny remarked: "I think that was when the star was born in me. I wanted to sing. I had to calculate with all the dangers, and I just realised, 'No, I want to sing. This is what I want'." Ulf Ekberg Ulf Ekberg has since shifted his focus to nurturing tech start-ups in Sweden. In a conversation with ABC, the ex-musician observed: "There's so many tech companies in Sweden, especially Stockholm. "I'm interested in creating a sector in technology and music. I'm building companies, and it's been a fantastic last five years. It feels like everything is exploding here. We are in a lot of different sectors, but we try to keep it to the creative sectors as much as possible; movies, TV, music and entertainment, which are obviously very close to my heart." (Image: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage) In the documentary from the previous year, Ulf also reflects on his past association with a far-right extremist gang in Sweden during his teenage years, expressing profound remorse for this period in his life. In an interview with People, he elaborated: "I think it's a very important topic to talk about because it is a very angry world we live in right now. It's much more angry than when I was a teenager." He continued, sharing his hope that his story could inspire others: "I hope that maybe that part of this documentary can show that even if you are completely lost, you can always find your way and it's never too late - which, I was blessed with a second chance in my life." Jonas and Linn Berggren Post-band life has seen Jonas and Linn Berggren retreat from the limelight, with Linn particularly shunning public attention. Jonas briefly resurfaced at an event featured towards the end of the documentary, whereas Linn opted to contribute through a letter, which Jenny reads out in the concluding episode. However, the band did reunite for a one-off gig on their 30th anniversary. Much to the joy of numerous fans, they returned to headline the 90s Nostalgic Electric Circus festival in Canada, donning black lace and flower-inspired attire.
Daily Mirror
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ace of Base now as iconic 90s band suffer Eurovision failure and knifeman terror
Swedish Europop group Ace of Base were once some of the biggest names in music, but their story is one that is filled with surprise achievements, failures and regret Ace of Base, the creators of some of the most iconic Europop tunes of the 90s, have had a rollercoaster journey. Their story is filled with everything from humble beginnings in Sweden to gangland threats and even an unsuccessful Eurovision attempt... The Scandinavian electro-pop band was first established in 1987 in Gothenberg, consisting of siblings Jonas, Linn and Jenny Berggren, with Ulf Ekberg rounding off the quartet. They started their journey performing in various clubs around the Swedish city but initially found it tough to gain traction, as heavy metal was the preferred genre for Swedes at the time, quite different from their techno sound. However, after their single Wheel of Fortune hit the charts, their subsequent release, All that She Wants, catapulted them to global fame, earning platinum certification and topping the UK charts for three consecutive weeks in 1993. Their success continued with hits like The Sign, becoming club favourites worldwide in the early 90s. But, just as swiftly as they rose to stardom, they faded into obscurity. The band was last seen performing in a series of concerts between 2007 and 2009 as a trio without Linn. Since then, the original members of the band have all embarked on very different journeys:, reports the Daily Record. Jenny Berggren Jenny, the only ex-member from the band to embark on a solo career after departing in the late 00s, also turned her hand to writing. She released her autobiography, Vinna hela världen, in 2009. However, a promised English version, titled To Win the World, never emerged. Her solo musical journey began with Here I Am in 2010, peaking at number 14 in Swedish charts; she followed up with Gotta Go, and unveiled her maiden album, My Story, that year. 2010 saw another bid for the spotlight as Jenny contended for the honour of representing Denmark in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 with Let Your Heart B Mine, but didn't secure the nomination. Fast forward, Jenny starred in the 2024 documentary Ace of Base: All That She Wants, telling the band's story alongside Ulf. She reflected on a terrifying incident from the early '90s in which a fan invaded her home and threatened her life by holding a knife to her throat. Reliving the harrowing moment with People, she asserted: "I think that was when the star was born in me. I wanted to sing. I had to calculate with all the dangers, and I just realised, 'No, I want to sing. This is what I want'." Ulf Ekberg Meanwhile, band founder Ulf Ekberg has swapped melodies for tech ventures back home. In conversation with ABC, Ekberg expressed his enthusiasm about the tech buzz: "There's so many tech companies in Sweden, especially Stockholm. "I'm interested in creating a sector in technology and music. I'm building companies, and it's been a fantastic last five years. It feels like everything is exploding here. We are in a lot of different sectors, but we try to keep it to the creative sectors as much as possible; movies, TV, music and entertainment, which are obviously very close to my heart." The documentary last year also saw Ulf candidly discuss his past affiliations with a far-right extremist group during his teens in Sweden, expressing profound remorse for his actions. Speaking to People, he continued: "I think it's a very important topic to talk about because it is a very angry world we live in right now. It's much more angry than when I was a teenager. "I hope that maybe that part of this documentary can show that even if you are completely lost, you can always find your way and it's never too late - which, I was blessed with a second chance in my life." Jonas and Linn Berggren Post-band life has seen Jonas and Linn Berggren shying away from the limelight, especially Linn who has kept her distance from the glare of fame. Jonas briefly emerged to attend an event highlighted at the end of the documentary, while Linn decided to contribute through a letter read by Jenny in the concluding episode. The band, however, did reunite for a one-off celebration on their 30th anniversary. Much to the joy of numerous fans, they returned to headline the 90s Nostalgic Electric Circus festival in Canada, donning black lace and flower-inspired outfits.
