Henderson confident of delivering world-class landmark at Central harbourfront, dismisses dividend payment fears

Henderson beat five other rivals for a 50-year land grant for New Central Harbourfront Commercial Site 3 with a record bid of US$6.5 billion

Henderson vice-chairman Colin Lam says they are open to discussions with other parties who would be interested in jointly developing the project

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An artist’s impression of the Central harbourfront plot upon its completion. Photo: Handout

Published: 8:30am, 5 Nov 2021Updated: 9:07am, 5 Nov 2021

Henderson Land Development said it has deep pockets to develop a prime harbourfront site in Central into an iconic landmark.

The city’s third-largest developer by market value on Wednesday won the bid for a 50-year land grant of New Central Harbourfront Commercial Site 3 for a record HK$50.8 billion (US$6.5 billion), beating five contenders in the government’s “two-envelope” tender.

“We would sign the cheque immediately if we were asked to pay the HK$50.8 billion tomorrow. It is not a problem,” said Colin Lam Ko-yin, vice-chairman of Henderson, said at a briefing on Thursday to discuss the company’s plans for the site. “We do not have any [financial] pressure and [the land purchase] won’t impact our dividend payment.”

Lam said that Henderson was open to discussions with other parties who would be interested in developing the project together.

Henderson won a 50-year land grant of New Central Harbourfront Commercial Site 3 with a record bid of HK$50.8 billion. Photo: Martin Chan

The company plans to invest HK$63 billion to develop the site to create an iconic landmark and a “social destination dedicated to public enjoyment”. Henderson’s blueprint calls for three buildings on the harbourfront to accentuate Hong Kong’s image as Asia’s World City. The block closest to the harbour will be multifunctional, while the other two will be office buildings. Sizeable green areas and open spaces for the public have also been included in the design.

The focal point of the entire design is the old Star Ferry Clock Tower, which will be reconstructed close to its original position to maintain a visual connection with the harbour and Hong Kong’s maritime heritage, according to the land sale condition.