Urban Oasis
New mixed-use development Grand Central is at the heart of the Kwun Tong Town Centre revitalisation
The established Hong Kong district of Kwun Tong is turning a new page in its development. Currently, the area is undergoing a major rejuvenation led by the Kwun Tong Town Centre project, a mixed-use project that forms an innovative recreational and retail hub and also brings unprecedented public green space. The largest urban renewal project in Hong Kong, it comprises the Grand Central residential complex offering 1,999 residential units, plus a public open space on its third floor, Hong Kong’s first air-conditioned public transport interchange and a shopping mall in the podium.
Atop Yue Man Square, the project’s retail portion, is the public open space, a green swathe of more than 6,000 square metres. The ecology of this urban oasis has been carefully considered: it is home to a variety of tree species planted to attract birds, with their ecological and atmospheric benefits, and a Butterfly Garden similarly designed with plant species that attract butterflies to help pollinate and sustain the park.
The space, which includes whimsical contemporary sculptures, is the creation of acclaimed landscape designer Adrian L Norman. ‘As designers, we look to see what’s important, what’s needed for society and what elements we can add that might influence the way people use space,’ he explains. ‘There’s an innate sense within humans to connect to the natural environment, and we’re always striving to design for that.’ True to his word, Norman reserved a large open lawn for leisure space, which is complemented by vertical greenery and water features, creating a relaxing ambience in the centre of the urban hub.
Flora is not the only green element, however — the spaces also feature lights and phone charging facilities powered by solar and wind energy, smart pavers and energy-generating fitness facilities. Norman’s team continued this approach in the outdoor clubhouse facilities — reserved for those living in Grand Central — with 5,000 square metres of greenery incorporating elements that enable engagement with nature, such as the Garden of Delight, a landscape-cum-arts and crafts area with sculptures and seasonal plantings, where families can learn about gardening before putting their skills to use in the Country Club area, where families can learn about herb gardening and enjoy farm-to-table fun. A 50-metre swimming pool backgrounds an orchid garden, while barbecues take centre stage at the nearby Green Kitchen. Outdoor study and play areas for children and adults complete the ‘country life, city living’ approach to the external areas.
The clubhouse’s interior further exemplifies the development’s user-centric nature. Designed by internationally renowned hospitality designers Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), the hotel inspired facility spans approximately 4,000 square metres of indoor space. The West Wing contains the Grand Lounge, Grand Room, The Library and The Studio, where natural light plays on marble and timber to create elevated spaces for socialising, entertaining or simply getting lost in a book. The East Wing is more active, with children’s play area The Woods, a yoga studio, an expansive fitness centre and a multifunctional indoor sports court.
The two wings are marked by nature-inspired furnishings and installations created under the direction of local firm EM Bespoke. ‘The beautiful thing here is that when you arrive, you hear water, you see the beauty in the environment, you’re able to touch the landscapes, you’re able to interact with them,’ says the firm’s founder and creative director Emma Maclean. Working from this theme, the designer used flora-inspired interior accessories and furnishings for the clubhouse, and sourced a custom metal wall installation inspired by large gingko leaves. ‘Just as when a wind picks up the leaves and they go up in the air and then fall down, when you go up or down the staircase you’re actually travelling with the leaves,’ she says.
The metal was also chosen to reference the district’s industrial days. ‘The timber walls create texture and warmth, which complements the lightness and airiness of the marble floors. The metals connect back to that industrial element of Kwun Tong while elevating it,’ Maclean explains. ‘It’s all about balance and equilibrium — blending the urban environment and the natural environment.’
DISCLAIMER
Name of Street and Street Number of Phase I & Phase II of the Development:
No.33 Hip Wo Street
District: Kwun Tong (South)
Website address: www.grandcentral.hk#
The photographs, images, drawings or sketches shown in this advertisement / promotional material represent an artist’s impression of the development concerned only. They are not drawn to scale and/or may have been edited and processed with computerized imaging techniques. Prospective purchasers should make reference to the sales brochure for details of the Development. The Vendor also advises prospective purchasers to conduct an on-site visit for a better understanding of the development site, its surrounding environment and the public facilities nearby.
Holding company of the vendor (Urban Renewal Authority): Not applicable | Holding company of the vendor (Union Score Investments Limited): Tsim Sha Tsui Properties Limited, Sino Land Company Limited, King Chance Development Limited and Power Elite Ventures Limited. Authorized Person for Phase I and Phase II of the Development: Tang Kwok Wah Owen (until 28 February 2019) , Chan Wing Che (from 1 March 2019) | The firm or corporation of which the Authorized Person for Phase I and Phase II of the Development is a proprietor, director or employee in his or her professional capacity: Wong Tung & Partners Limited | Building Contractor for Phase I and Phase II of the Development: CR Construction Company Limited | The firms of solicitors acting for the Owner in relation to the sale of residential properties in Phase I and Phase II of the Development: Mayer Brown, Woo Kwan Lee & Lo, King & Wood Mallesons, Chu & Lau and Sit, Fung, Kwong & Shum | Authorized institution that has made a loan or has undertaken to provide finance for the construction of Phase I of the Development: China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation Limited (Note: the relevant undertaking has been cancelled) | Authorized institution that has made a loan or has undertaken to provide finance for the construction of Phase II of the Development: Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited (Note: the relevant undertaking has been cancelled) | Other person who has made a loan for the construction of Phase I and Phase II of the Development: King Chance Development Limited and Tycoon Fame Limited (Note: the relevant loan has been repaid) | Phase I of the Development comprises 2 residential towers with a total of 1,025 residential properties Phase II of the Development comprises 2 residential towers with a total of 974 residential properties|This advertisement is published by the person so engaged with consent of the Owner. | #The address of the website designated by the Vendor for Phase I and Phase II of the Development for the purposes of Part 2 of the Residential Properties (First-hand Sales) Ordinance. | Prospective purchasers are advised to refer to sales brochures for any information of Phase I and Phase II of the Development. Please refer to the sales brochure for details.
The photographs were taken on 8 May 2021 at the residential clubhouse of the Development, they have been edited and processed with computerized imaging techniques and is for reference only. The names of the areas and facilities of any clubhouse described or displayed are promotional names and are displayed in promotional materials only. They will not be displayed in Deed of Mutual Covenant, Provisional Agreements for Sale and Purchase, Agreements for Sale and Purchase, assignment or other title deeds. The Vendor reserves the right to change the design, use and name of the clubhouse and recreational facilities without giving any prior notice. The completion date of the clubhouse and/or recreational facilities is subject to the final approval by the Buildings Department, the Lands Department and/or other relevant Government departments and authorities and may not be immediately available for use upon the date of occupation of the residential properties of the Development. Use or operation of certain facilities and/or services shall also be subject to issuance of the relevant consents or licenses from the Government and may subject to additional charges.
Date of Production: 22 June 2021
