The Central Market
Hong Kong's Playground For All
There’s a tradition around the world of great markets that are both a vital venue for locals as well as a sparkling spectacle for visitors. Tsukiji in Tokyo, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, La Boqueria in Barcelona, Borough Market in London; each manages to both satisfy the needs of the community, whilst captivating those from overseas.
Central Market in Hong Kong is rapidly maturing into an iconic destination where one can see a broad cross-section of society converging for an equally diverse range of needs.
Blending traditional Hong Kong fast food with innovative new drinking and dining concepts, seasonal retail that showcases small and emerging brands, green spaces for relaxation and congregation, and flexible venues for entertainment, culture and education; all of the Market’s myriad activities have as their backdrop the stunningly restored, original, geometric architecture from the 1930’s.
Traditional in spirit, but contemporary in experience, Central Market is where Hong Kong can be sampled and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Central Market in Hong Kong is rapidly maturing into an iconic destination where one can see a broad cross-section of society converging for an equally diverse range of needs.
Blending traditional Hong Kong fast food with innovative new drinking and dining concepts, seasonal retail that showcases small and emerging brands, green spaces for relaxation and congregation, and flexible venues for entertainment, culture and education; all of the Market’s myriad activities have as their backdrop the stunningly restored, original, geometric architecture from the 1930’s.
Traditional in spirit, but contemporary in experience, Central Market is where Hong Kong can be sampled and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
“When Donald first came to us, he immediately questioned why we would still need to define the Market as retail space. So, we came back and said we must break all these boundaries between retail, shopping, eating and entertainment. Even education and cultural. And this became the base idea for how we started planning this place.”
Kin Cheong, Partner, Shadow Design
Reinventing and reinvigorating
-
An oasis in the city
-
Contemporary design inspired by the past
The tail end of the 20th century saw many major changes to Hong Kong’s Central district, the greatest of which were the arrival of major commercial office developments and departure of residential buildings into Mid-Levels. This left the 70 year old Central Market under-utilized to the point of closure in 2003, when it was shuttered serving only as a link to the mid-level escalator system.
However, led by the Urban Renewal Authority, a pioneering regeneration of this 12,000sqm, three-level landmark commenced in 2020. Chinachem, with our reputation for community focused placemaking were chosen to design and deliver the complex project in unusually short order. Our desire to create an inclusive venue that could change, adapt, and develop over time, inspired by the evolving desires and interests of its diverse users, lay at the heart of the design.
“We want it to be a transition place for everyday life, that’s why inside it’s very flexible. This whole idea goes back to the idea of place-making. We’ve got used to the idea in retail that if you’re not buying, you’re not welcome. Here at Central Market, the idea is totally different. Everyone is welcome, it’s a community space. We want people to take their time, to meet, to eat, to watch performances, relax, shop, do some work, or simply do nothing.”
Benjamin Lam, architect, Shadow Design
Acknowledging the vital social and economic role markets have played in villages, towns and cities for centuries, it was very clear to all involved, that preservation would be meaningless if the issue of relevance was overlooked.
Central Market is different every day. Find out what today has in store at www.centralmarket.hk/en
However, led by the Urban Renewal Authority, a pioneering regeneration of this 12,000sqm, three-level landmark commenced in 2020. Chinachem, with our reputation for community focused placemaking were chosen to design and deliver the complex project in unusually short order. Our desire to create an inclusive venue that could change, adapt, and develop over time, inspired by the evolving desires and interests of its diverse users, lay at the heart of the design.
“We want it to be a transition place for everyday life, that’s why inside it’s very flexible. This whole idea goes back to the idea of place-making. We’ve got used to the idea in retail that if you’re not buying, you’re not welcome. Here at Central Market, the idea is totally different. Everyone is welcome, it’s a community space. We want people to take their time, to meet, to eat, to watch performances, relax, shop, do some work, or simply do nothing.”
Benjamin Lam, architect, Shadow Design
Acknowledging the vital social and economic role markets have played in villages, towns and cities for centuries, it was very clear to all involved, that preservation would be meaningless if the issue of relevance was overlooked.
Central Market is different every day. Find out what today has in store at www.centralmarket.hk/en
Central Market
Hong Kong’s revived and revitalised Central Market is an example of urban placemaking at its best. Chinachem Group, in partnership with the Urban Renewal Authority, have created a real playground for all, a destination offering exciting new experiences in food and beverage, eclectic shopping opportunities, and plenty of spots to relax, meet friends, or simply watch the world go by.
