Central Crossing is a mixed-use development located at 118 Wellington Street between Graham, Gage and Cochrane Streets in Central, Hong Kong. The project represents a rare opportunity to build on a significant site in the vibrant heart of the city that is known for its colourful street markets. The site is the focal point of the triangle formed by three key historic attractions in the Central district – Tai Kwun, PMQ and Central Market. Central Crossing comprises an office tower and a hotel tower, both of which are positioned to align with the historic urban grid of the city.
The area between the buildings provides much-needed breathing space for Central. It is extensively landscaped, and features retail and dining spaces at the bases of the towers as well as a dramatic four-storey water wall, which defines the main entrance to the hotel. New pedestrian routes allow people to cross the site at multiple levels and access the surrounding streets. This includes a direct link to the Mid-Levels escalators that draw people up from Central Market to Mid-Levels. The towers are elevated above the ground, to maximise the amount of light, air and space that is available to the public.
Visually, both towers are divided into two halves, giving them a unique appearance. The ‘high zone’ optimises views out, with a large scale polished stainless steel-framed glass façade, while the ‘low zone’ has a fine grain and textured gold-tone façade, which provides greater privacy in response to the proximity of the adjacent buildings. Sculptural walls form offset cores that provide open floorplates and help to direct views towards the harbour and the Peak. At ground level, four historic structures are integrated into the design, most notably 120 Wellington Street, one of the oldest remaining shop houses in Hong Kong. Gutzlaff Street, which once ran directly through the site, will be re-joined and revitalised, connecting Queen’s Road Central with Hollywood Road, two of the most important streets in Central.
After dark, these walls are washed with soft light to form dramatic illuminated planes that define the towers on the skyline. An illuminated ‘spire’ runs the full height of the office tower, continued by a beam of light that tapers off into the night sky, creating a new landmark for the city.
