Hong Kong’s harbourfront in Central could be on par with Sydney with the right blend of cafes, arts and cultural attractions, says designer

Atkins’ Hong Kong design studio has come up with a vision to create a world-class, vibrant and accessible harbourfront in Central

‘Site 3’, the plot next to IFC, is believed to be the most expensive site in Hong Kong, estimated to be worth HK$40 billion (US$5.16 billion) to HK$60 billion

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Artist’s impression of the New Central Harbourfront Site 3. Photo: SCMP Pictures

Published: 8:30am, 10 Mar 2021Updated: 10:39pm, 11 Mar 2021

When design director Amarindra Rana walks along the bridge next to the International Finance Centre (IFC) in Central every day, he feels sad to see a near two-kilometre harbourfront left empty for almost 10 years. So he decided to try to do something about it.

So Rana, of Atkins’ Hong Kong design studio, came up with a vision to create a world-class, vibrant and accessible harbourfront in Central that would be on par with the likes of Sydney, London and Copenhagen. Although not yet involved in an official capacity, the company is keen to take on an advisory role in the redevelopment of the several parcels of land that make up the stretch.

The waterfront area extends from the IFC and Star Ferry Pier in Central through to Tamar Park in Admiralty and on to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.

According to the government master plan, New Central Harbourfront Site 3 is designated for retail and office use, Site 4 is for food and beverage, Site 5 is for hotels and offices, Site 6 is for cultural use, and Site 7 is a gallery and park area.

General view of sunny day in Hong Kong taken from Victoria Harbour on 2 October 2017. Photo: David Wong

“Lots of people are focusing on Site 3 as it is the biggest commercial plot to be released for sale soon,” said Rana.

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