Henderson Land unveiled Central Yards, an ambitious new landmark on the New Central Harbourfront, featuring Hong Kong’s inaugural private Broadway-calibre theatre. Designed by the renowned architecture firm UNS, Central Yards is envisioned as a dynamic cultural and commercial gateway, blending world-class performance spaces with forward-thinking urban development.
A New Era for Hong Kong’s Performing Arts
The centrepiece of Central Yards is its state-of-the-art theatre, a first for the city. UNS’s design delivers a venue of international stature, capable of hosting global touring musicals, world premieres, flagship concerts, immersive productions, and multidisciplinary showcases. This venue is more than a stage, it’s a creative incubator for Hong Kong’s thriving arts community, offering an inspiring platform for both established and emerging talent.
Architectural Innovation and Audience Experience
The theatre’s Grand Auditorium is engineered for an immersive, sensory-rich experience. With a capacity exceeding 1,100 guests, the auditorium unites the stage, audience seating, and advanced acoustic and lighting systems within an elegantly sculpted lattice shell. This integration ensures unparalleled sound quality and visual impact, setting new standards for performance venues in Asia. Every detail, from the precision acoustics to the technical infrastructure, has been meticulously crafted to support a diverse range of productions and audience experiences.
Central Yards: A Mixed-Use Urban Destination
Central Yards spans a 4.8-hectare site and stretches 400 metres along the harbour, redefining the concept of a “groundscraper.” This sustainable CBD development seamlessly integrates commercial, financial, leisure, and cultural spaces, creating a vibrant ecosystem at the heart of Hong Kong. The project’s holistic design includes not only the theatre but also innovative office towers, landscaped public spaces, and flexible event areas, all designed to foster interaction and community engagement.
Connectivity and Integrated Visitor Experience
UNS has ensured that the theatre is not an isolated destination, but a fully integrated part of the Central Yards experience. The design connects the theatre to adjacent landscape areas, VIP amenities, and the main lobbies of surrounding office towers, offering visitors a seamless transition between cultural, commercial, and social activities. The flexible indoor and outdoor environments encourage public participation and support a year-round calendar of events, making Central Yards a true community hub.
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Vision and Impact
Dr. Martin Lee Ka Shing, Chairman of Henderson Land, describes Central Yards as a testament to the company’s dedication to Hong Kong’s future: “Central Yards is born from our commitment and love for the city we call home. It’s a vibrant hub where nature, culture, joy, and ambition converge, transforming Hong Kong into the world’s grandest stage for generations to come.”
Ben van Berkel, Founder and Principal Architect of UNS, emphasizes the project’s ambition: “Our goal is to create an unprecedented experience that generates cultural impact both locally and globally. This theatre will redefine Hong Kong’s harbourfront with a diverse, inclusive, and experientially unique image.”
Hannes Pfau, Partner at UNS and Managing Director for Shanghai and Hong Kong, adds: “Our design goes far beyond the stage and auditorium. We aim to create a venue that expands opportunities for global artists while celebrating Hong Kong’s vibrant local arts scene on the world stage.”
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Project Details and Future Outlook
Central Yards represents a transformative step for Hong Kong’s urban and cultural landscape, establishing a new benchmark for integrated, sustainable development. As the project progresses, it promises to attract international attention and foster a new era of creativity and community engagement along the city’s iconic waterfront.
For more information, visit: uns.com.
