An Ongoing Discussion
Site 3 of the New Central Harbourfront will be sold in the near future, offering a once-in-a-generation opportunity to imagine amenities, services and public spaces that could benefit all Hong Kongers for years to come.
Through conversations over the past two years with civil society groups, design and planning professionals, and the general public, a coalition led by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) uncovered great concern over how the iconic Site 3 on the Hong Kong harbour would be developed—as well as great enthusiasm for how to make a better waterfront.
Collecting Ideas for the Future
Whether an architect specializing in public places, a performing arts troupe that makes use of the waterfront, or a community group seeking more space for public-oriented activities, great ideas for the waterfront have come from many different corners of our city.
Instead of "another shopping mall," the participants in these dialogues aimed for development that would serve Hong Kong's diverse population—to make Site 3 a place that truly belongs to all. We hope to tap the collective imagination to invite, bring together, and create a platform to share ideas for our waterfront.
Open Call for Designs
In March 2021, we are issuing an open call for design ideas to shape Site 3. Taking the Planning Department's site as a starting point, we invite you to form a team and propose a plan that could make for a better Site 3.
The best ideas will be selected by a jury—but all ideas will become part of a public archive that will be a resource to stoke the imagination of future urban thinkers, planners, designers organisers and creators.
ULI will also share the strongest ideas with the Planning Department.
Spark Salon (Wednesday, March 31)
Join us for an online event to spark new ideas for Site 3
The salon is an opportunity for teams participating in the ULI "Open Call for Ideas" to spark their imaginations!
Site 3 of the New Central Harbourfront is slated for sale, via a two envelope tender process. Bid will be received by the Hong Kong government in the near future. Site 3's strategic location at Central, along the harbour, warrants public discussion and input: not only could development at the site impact Hong Kong’s image for decades, it also offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to imagine amenities, services and public spaces that could benefit all Hong Kongers for years to come.
This "Spark Salon" will discuss how we can collectively shape the future of the waterfront, through:
- Brief talks from invited guests
- 3 themes of the ULI "Open Call for Ideas"
- Presentations by 3 emerging architecture firms in Hong Kong
Agenda
Intro Talks: 20 min
3 Themes: 30 min
Discussion: 30 min
Q&A from audience: 20 minIncluding:
"Civic Spaces in Central" by HKU Faculty of Architecture: Ying Zhou
"Key Outcomes of Site 3 Workshop" by ULI: Tiffany Lau & Kevin Hsu
"The Value of Conservation at Central" by Central & Western Concern Group: Katty LawPresentation on the three themes by architecture firms:
aona architects: Charles Lai
Architecture Commons: Rick Lam and Eric HoOriginal Vision: Ricky Liu and Adrian McCarroll
Key Themes to Inspire Your Designs
Based on stakeholder workshops and ongoing conversations with industry, civil society, and the public, we have identified three key areas where "new ideas" could inspire better design for a future Site 3: (1) access and physical connectivity of the site, (2) civic programming in public spaces, and (3) the integration of heritage and cultural resources into plans for Site 3. Your submission idea should address one of these three key themes, which are priorities to the Hong Kong public.
Access & Connectivity
How can Site 3 be physically connected to the surrounding city, including movement, landscape and views? Can it be genuinely convenient for all Hong Kongers to reach?
Civic Programming & Public Spaces
Beyond commercial activities, what other kinds of spaces do different stakeholder groups need to activate and enliven the waterfront?
Heritage and Culture
Can architecture and planning recognize how our society builds upon the past, and strengthen an area's identity by combining the old with the new?
Resources from the Field
Resources collected about Site 3
Lands Department - Background
on Lot No.9088 (Site 3)
The official tender documents. Also see:
Submission Guidelines: Open Call for Site 3
Guidelines and rules for the ULI Open Call for Site 3 as a PDF
Site 3 Studies from the
University of Hong Kong
A study of Site 3 from the HKU Faculty of Architecture — Find out more at the Spark Salon on March 31
ULI Site 3 Report
Key insights from ULI's workshops on Site 3 — Find out more at the Spark Salon on March 31
Open Call for Ideas: Requirements
What should be included in my "open call" submission?
Timeline
Public Call for Ideas
Open Call for Site 3 Ideas Launched
March 2021
You are invited to shape the future of Site 3!
Spark Salon - Discuss Visions of Site 3
March 31, 2021
Learn about others' inspirations for Site 3.
Design Ideas - Submission Due
May 9, 2021
Make sure to get your ideas in on time!
Winning Ideas Announced
May 2021
Jury decides on the strongest ideas.
Public Celebration
of All Ideas
May 2021
ULI will present all ideas in a public forum.
Project Organizers
This initiative is a collaboration of the following organizations
Urban Land Institute
ULI Hong Kong
University of Hong Kong
建成遺產研究室
Built Heritage Research Collaborative (BHRC)
Docomomo - Hong Kong
International Committee for Documentation and Conservation of Buildings, Sites and Neighbourhoods of the Modern Movement
Neighborhood Innovation Lab
Central & Western Concern Group
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