1st Generation Central Market
1st Generation Central Market
After the occupation of Hong Kong Island in 1841, the British needed to establish a variety of buildings and facilities. The resulted influx of Chinese artisans and food traders called for the need of market place. It was documented1 that Central Market was formally opened to the south of its present site on 10th June 1842 and farmed out to a Chinese, called Afoon.
1 Eitel, E. J. (1895). Europe in China: The History of Hongkong from the Beginning to the year 1882. Hong Kong: Kelly & Walsh, Ch. 8
2nd Generation Central Market
3rd Generation Central Market
3rd Generation Central Market
The construction works for the 3rd Generation Central Market started in 1889 and was completed in 1895. The building was consisted of two 2-storeys blocks with a central avenue in between. The walls of the building were red brick with granite stone dressings.
4th Generation Central Market (Current Building)
4th Generation Central Market (Current Building)
The 4th Generation Central Market is a 4-storey building built in 1939, being an exemplification of the Streamline Moderne style of the time. It is characterized by the slim horizontal lines and functionalism of the building. The building has a total of 255 market stalls, an open Atrium is located at the center of the building.
Façade Facing Des Voeux Road Central Demolished
Façade Facing Des Voeux Road Central Demolished
Central Market was converted to form part of the Mid-levels Escalator System. The façade facing Des Voeux Road Central was demolished, building alteration works include the addition of G/F – 2/F escalators, lift, staircases and public toilets and removal of some market food stalls to provide retail spaces and public linkage.