Central Yards is a mixed-use development coming up on Site 3 of Hong Kong’s New Central Harbourfront. The project will be developed by Henderson Land, a property developer based in Hong Kong.
Spanning over 1.6 million square feet of gross floor area, the Central Yards is expected to become a global harbourfront icon. The development forms part of Hong Kong’s broader harbourfront revitalisation strategy and aims to strengthen connections between the Central Business District (CBD) and the waterfront. Phase 1 is scheduled for 2027, with Phase 2 following in 2032.
Lead8 serves as the Design Architect and leads an international collective of renowned design and architectural studios collaborating on the project.
Project Overview
| Type | Mixed-Use Development |
| Location | New Central Harbour Front, Hong Kong |
| Owner/Developer | Henderson Land Development |
| Site Area | 4.8ha (11.8 acres) |
| Gross Floor Area | 1.6 million ft2 |
| Office & Ancillary Space | Phase 1: 270,000ft2, Phase 2: 390,000ft2 (approximately) |
| Retail Space | Phase 1: 300,000ft2, Phase 2: 600,000ft2 (approximately) |
| Opening | Phase 1: 2027, Phase 2: 2032 |
| Design Architect | Lead8 |
| Executive Architect | Wong & Ouyang |
| Retail Interior Designer | Amanda Levete (AL_A) |
| Landscape Architect | PWP Landscape Architecture |
| Lighting Designer | Speirs Major |
| Structural Engineer | ARUP |
Architectural concept and urban integration
The design of Central Yards is structured around a concept known as “The Bridge”, an approximately 400m-long groundscraper running along the Victoria Harbour waterfront. The horizontal structure forms one of the longest architectural elements in Central and creates a new urban spine linking surrounding neighbourhoods with the harbourfront.
Unlike the typical vertical towers that characterise Hong Kong’s skyline, the project adopts a landscraper or groundscraper approach, extending horizontally across the site while integrating public open space, retail and cultural facilities. This configuration is intended to strengthen pedestrian connections between the waterfront promenade and the Central district.
The development is also positioned as a key connector within the harbourfront network, linking major public destinations including the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Tamar Park, Cultural Plaza, ferry piers and Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park.
Premium office and ancillary spaces at Central Yards
Central Yards will feature more than 700,000ft2 of office and ancillary space, including what is planned to be the largest office floorplate in Hong Kong’s CBD. The offices are designed to accommodate corporate headquarters and innovation-driven financial organisations seeking large, flexible workspaces within Central.
According to project updates released in early 2026, more than 70% of the Phase 1 office space had already been leased, with remaining areas attracting interest from multinational tenants.
The broader development programme includes retail, dining, entertainment and cultural facilities designed to create a mixed-use district operating throughout the day and evening.
Retail, cultural and public realm components
Retail and leisure functions will form a significant component of the project. Phase 1 is expected to introduce about 340,000ft2 of retail, dining and entertainment space, with additional retail areas added in Phase 2.
The retail environment is designed around a promenade-focused layout, integrating indoor and outdoor areas along the harbourfront. The programme includes a mix of retail units, restaurants, event spaces and public gathering areas intended to support markets, festivals and cultural programming.
One of the major cultural components of the development is a private Broadway-calibre theatre with seating for more than 1,100 guests. Designed to international stage and acoustical standards, the venue will accommodate theatre productions, concerts and large-scale performances.
Additional features proposed within the retail complex include a six-storey aquarium integrated into a shopping arcade environment, intended as a central visual attraction within the development.
Landscape design and public open space
Public space is a central element of the Central Yards masterplan. The development will introduce more than 300,000ft2 of interconnected green space, including an extensive urban park system connecting Central with the harbourfront promenade.
At the centre of this landscape strategy is a sky garden approximately 300m long, covering more than 160,000ft2. The elevated landscape will include more than 400 trees and approximately 280 plant species, designed to support urban biodiversity while creating recreational space above the commercial areas.
Landscape design strategies aim to enhance microclimate conditions across the site. “Urban Windows”, large-scale openings within the building mass, are incorporated to channel natural airflow and daylight through the development, improving ventilation and environmental comfort.
The district combines indoor and outdoor spaces with purpose-designed maisons featuring open terraces and duplex layouts. The public spaces are planned to remain open 24 hours, creating continuous pedestrian routes between Central and the waterfront.
Sustainability and environmental design
Central Yards incorporates several environmental design strategies aimed at improving energy efficiency and supporting Hong Kong’s long-term carbon reduction goals.
The project will utilise smart façade systems with dynamic windows, designed to optimise daylight and reduce thermal loads. According to project documentation, the façade design is expected to achieve around 30% higher energy efficiency compared with typical Grade A office buildings.
Additional sustainability measures include:
- Sea water cooling systems to reduce energy use and carbon emissions
- Advanced energy storage technologies, including high-efficiency battery systems
- Extensive green space and biodiversity habitats integrated throughout the development
Central Yards has achieved or registered for nine green and smart building certifications, including BEAM Plus for New Buildings and New Neighbourhoods, LEED, WELL, SITES, CGBL, CHBL, SmartScore, and WiredScore, with additional accreditations in progress. These certifications address energy performance, ecological design, digital infrastructure and occupant wellbeing.
Key players involved in the Central Yards project
The project team for Central Yards includes several international design and engineering firms. Lead8 serves as the Design Architect, while Wong & Ouyang is the Executive Architect. Amanda Levete (AL_A) is responsible for retail interior design.
The theatre component is designed by UNStudio Hong Kong (UNS), with acoustic consultancy provided by Jaffe Holden. Landscape design is led by PWP Landscape Architecture, supported by Urbis as the local landscape consultant.
Technical and engineering contributions include Inhabit as the façade consultant and Speirs Major as the lighting designer. Structural engineering is handled by ARUP Structure, while J. Roger Preston provides mechanical and electrical engineering services.