LOCAL
From Historic Market to a ‘Playground for All’ Cheyelene Fontanilla reports on the revitalisation of Central Market
Before
After
Picture a building steeped in history, its walls having withstood the test of time, its floors having carried generations of Hongkongers, its doors shut for years. If you frequent Central, then you’ve probably walked through the old building that is Central Market – and it’s likely you’re thinking that introduction was a tad grand considering the structure as we know it today. Back when it was established in 1939, the market had 255 stalls and an open atrium. Fast forward to today and the most we’ve seen of it since 2003 is the section that connects to the Soho/Mid-levels escalators. In the years that have followed, several ideas to transform the market have been proposed, including the addition of a swimming pool. Now, the historic Central Market has taken a big step towards reopening after the Urban Renewal Authority handed management of the project to Chinachem Group. Noble Vantage, its subsidiary, will run the project and transform the three-storey site into a ‘vibrant, bustling place’ where people meet, socialise, shop and eat. Branded a “Playground for All”, the first phase of operation will start during the third quarter
of this year. The market will maintain its original structure, with plans to tap into its historical relevance. Creating a place that embodies the old Hong Kong’s sense of community, the new design is set to embrace the hustle and bustle of the city while providing a haven for people from all walks of life to gather and connect. Chinachem executive director and CEO Donald Choi said the group’s plan involves more than simply building a new shopping mall. “We want to make full use of the building’s heritage, legacy and collective memory,” says Choi. “We believe that the project can not only unveil the history of the past, but actually showcase and lead the future.” This new, grand endeavour falls in line with Chinachem Group’s recent repositioning to create “Places with Heart”, as the revived Central Market will reportedly not only serve as an oasis in the center of the city, but as a hub focused on supporting local brands and startups. Between 2009 and 2011, a Community Advisory Committee was put together to extensively survey the public in order to gauge what people wanted for the future of
the landmark. As a result, the ground floor toilets that face Queens’ Road Central will be demolished and replaced with a new entrance plaza, decked with seating, garden features, and more. It appears that the people have spoken, and plans are finally underway to bring the public’s vision to life.
1939
1989 Renovations begin to form part of the Soho/ Mid-levels Escalators. Lifts and public toilets are added. The face of Central Market facing Des Voeux Road is demolished.
2003 Central Market closes.
Four storeys are built in the Central Market’s current location. Designed in the Streamline Moderne style of that time, it opens with 255 stalls.
1994 A section of the Central Market, the starting point of the Soho Escalators, is turned into a mini shopping arcade.
2009 Central Market is handed over to the Urban Renewal Authority and removed from the Land Application list.
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