WHARF Group's ''new era in shopping in Causeway Bay'' - the $2.4 billion Times Square development - had its first public showing yesterday.
The monolithic twin-towered granite and glass building features 14 floors of retail space, topped by one million square feet of Grade A office area.
Originally scheduled to open in April, Times Square Estates senior manager Leung Kam-cheung said: ''Basically, it was due to red tape, and, with a project of this size, it was not surprising that we experienced some delay.'' The grand opening is now scheduled for December, with about 100 of the 300 shops opening to shoppers yesterday.
A major drawcard for tenants is Times Square having its own sub-station link to the Causeway Bay MTR station. Although turnstiles and a ticket office have been built, further work is required before the public can use the exit, which should open next month.
''When the MTR link opens, we estimate Times Square will attract 160,000 people a day. The retail outlets and restaurants already can expect custom from the 20,000 people working in the two office blocks,'' Mr Leung said.
He said Wharf's track record in building management - it also owns Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui - had also been a major factor in attracting clients.