Central Market after Renovation 重裝後的中環街市
After Central Market renovation, the first floor of the two-story market has become a level for souvenir shops, and the other floor is for snack stalls. But it is actually good. There are many types of shops, which gives tourists different choices. There is air conditioning and the place is spacious as well.
Central Market Front Entrance
From Exit A of the Hong Kong MTR station, you can reach From Exit A of the Hong Kong MTR station, you can reach. You can see the Central Market after renovation.
After the reconstruction project, the first floor of the two-story market has become a level for souvenir shops, and the other floor is for snack stalls. But it is actually good. There are many types of shops, which gives tourists different choices. Because they are separated into different small shops, each shop has a different style, and some are their own creations.
The basement floor sells snacks and restaurants. There is air conditioning and the place is spacious as well. It is more than selling goods, you will find an AI Exhibition that the creator combined art and technology.
Background
Central Market is a historic building, completed in 1939, with nearly a century of history. It is now listed as a Grade III historic building.
Formerly known as “Canton Bazaar” but located on Graham Street, it was officially established at its current location on Queen Road Central after two relocations.
The architectural style is primarily practical, and the window design is also a characteristic of the Bauhaus: instead of individual windows, they are long rows of windows.
However, after multiple reconstructions and relocations, both its exterior and interior are now different from what they used to be.
Since the construction of the Mid-Levels Escalator, the government has attempted to convert the second floor into a shopping arcade and sell the land. After that, the government would sell the building and demolish it.
Ultimately, the government decided to preserve the site, with the Urban Renewal Authority responsible for its conservation, revitalizing the market into a public recreational area. The Authority converted it into a green space in 2010, and underwent a revitalization project in 2017.
The private consortium Chinachem Group ultimately won project and completed revitalization in 2020.
Reopened in 2021, the company rented out the Market for retail and dining, and also left some space for exhibitions and art performances.
In fact, the market has undergone many changes, including controversies, public opinions, tenders, decisions on whether to preserve the historic building, change its use, and renovations, finally resulting in its current appearance.
How to get there:
Address: 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
Website: https://www.centralmarket.hk/en
Opening Hours: 10 am – 10 pm
References:
中環街市. (n.d.) wikipedia.org..URL:https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E4%B8%AD%E7%92%B0%E8%A1%97%E5%B8%82
鄭寶鴻（2023）。《重建香港：港島地標的消失與誕生》 (頁14,16)。香港：商務印書館。
