Victoria Dockside Launches Hong Kong to a New Cultural Frontier

Hong Kong’s economy expanded by 3.8% year-on-year in real terms in 2017, after growing by 2.1% in 2016. The Government forecasts Hong Kong’s economy to grow by 3-4% in 2018. In January-February 2018, the value of retail sales, in nominal terms, increased by 15.7% year-on-year, after the growth of 2.2% for 2017. This will lead to the development of retail sales and shopping malls in Hong Kong in a good trend.

New World Development Company Limited (“The Group”, Hong Kong stock code: 00017) was publicly listed in Hong Kong in 1972 and is a constituent stock of the Hong Kong Hang Seng Index. A premium brand infused with a unique personality defined by The Artisanal Movement, the New World Group’s core business areas include property development, infrastructure and services, retail, hotels and serviced apartments.

Indeed, the remarkable dynamic here is that Hong Kong investors, this April, Victoria Dockside, the ambitious 3 million-square-foot global art and design project along Hong Kong’s iconic Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, is set to make waves with a ripple of exciting theatrical, art and cultural happenings. It is poised to be a new global art and design district, taking Hong Kong to a new cultural frontier.

Announcing the phase one launch of Victoria Dockside today, Adrian Cheng, Founder of K11 and Executive Vice-Chairman and General Manager of New World Development, was joined by over 1,000 local and international influencers and guests from art, creative media and lifestyle sectors at the Make Waves party at K11 Atelier, the first office building under the K11 brand. The venue K11 Atelier sits within Victoria Dockside, and is the first workplace to integrate art, people and nature in one state-of-the-art building. It also redefines the modern work space with its Vertical Creative City concept, creating an inspiring office environment for the next-generation workforce.

The theme “Make Waves” hints at the disruption brought by Victoria Dockside. At the launch event, guests were led on a fascinating journey through the “Make Waves” exhibition which charts the evolution of the district from 1845 to the present.

the iconic Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront

the site was still known as Holt’s Wharf in the early 20th century, it already played a pivotal role in the city’s rise to the busiest port in the world, establishing Hong Kong’s reputation as the Gateway to the East. Following the opening of New World Centre in 1978, this area became a stronghold for international brands in the city and hosted some of the most innovative “happenings” Hong Kong ever witnessed.  Forty years on, now as Victoria Dockside created by the cultural enterprise New World Development, it is set to trigger a new wave of disruptions in design, the arts, culture and sustainability. It will be the game-changer that will once again, break through traditions to create a new paradigm for the world.

Cheng, the mastermind behind the US$2.6 billion Victoria Dockside, said, “Our vision is to make waves at this world-class destination by providing a blank canvas for artists, designers and businesses to maximise their creativity and help create one of the most exciting new neighbourhoods of tomorrow.

are committed to establishing new frontiers with Victoria Dockside for Hong Kong. It will offer a kaleidoscope of experiences against the backdrop of one of the most impressive views in the world. This new district will provide a space for locals and international visitors alike to unwind from the chaos of everyday life. And the site will once again become a landmark in Hong Kong, bringing new disruptions and a new scene to the city.”

#MakeWaves in Design

Ten years in the making, the Victoria Dockside masterplan was led by Cheng and created by acclaimed architectural firms, and over 100 designers and consultants across the globe, including renowned names such as Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), and landscape architect James Corner Field Operations (JCFO). At K11 Atelier, the interior of the mixed-use office tower was crafted by the Japanese Design studio Simplicity, best known for creating minimalist, people-centric hospitality spaces.

#MakeWaves in Sustainability

Referencing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, Cheng pioneered the “New World Sustainability Vision 2030” and steered the Group to curate business offerings that reflect the elements and benefits of “Green”, “Wellness”, “Smart” and “Caring” in every project. This vision is fully realized in Victoria Dockside.

K11 Atelier holds two top-class green building certifications, and its energy usage intensity is 1.5 times lower than typical Hong Kong office buildings. The façade of K11 Atelier is integrated with one of HK’s largest photovoltaic solar systems, creating enough power to operate around 220 coffee machines.

The entire district is set to fully open in 2019, with a new wave of announcement coming in June 2018. It will also feature an ultra-luxury Rosewood Hotel and Rosewood Residences. The new art and design district will reinvigorate the Victoria harbourfront and create the most exciting new neighbourhood for both Hong Kong residents and the city’s 60 million annual visitors.