Notice of Re-opening of Pedestrian Passageway (Update)

Central Market Operation – Notice of Invitation of Tender
The Urban Renewal Authority invited the qualified operators to submit the tender on 2 September 2020.

The Urban Renewal Authority
4 Sep 2020

URA Managing Director’s Blog:
「保育中環街市面貌 建設「親、動、融」新地標」(Chinese version only)

Central Market Operation – Notice of Invitation of Tender
As the outbreak of COVID-19 continues, the preparation work for the tendering of Central Market operation is affected and the tender out date will be postponed until further notice. The qualified operators will be invited to tender in due course.

The Urban Renewal Authority
31 July 2020

Notice of Temporary Closure of Pedestrian Passageway

Building Design – Building Information Modelling(BIM)

[For illustration and reference only]

Managing Director’s Blog:
“善用智慧科技 改良工程設計　提升中環街市設施水平” (Chinese version only)

New Temporary Pedestrian Passageway 
Work sequence and simulation by Building Information Modelling(BIM)

URA releases the notice of “Central Market Operation Tender Pre-qualification Request Form” on 18/12/2019. Details can be downloaded here.

Managing Director’s Blog:
“努力不懈推展中環街市活化　分階段開放運作　盡早讓市民享用” (Chinese version only)

A public briefing session on future operation of the Central Market has been held at H6 CONET on 18 September 2019. The presentation slides of the briefing can be downloaded here.

Temporary diversion of the 24-hour passageway between Mid-Levels and Central will be implemented in Q4 2019 to tie in with the on-going site works. The passageway on 2/F of the Central Market will be diverted from near Jubilee Street to near Queen Victoria Street.

The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) joined hands with the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) and Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) to co-organise the Innovative Design Competition 2018/19. The objective of the competition in encouraging the young people to bring about local characters and smart-living elements to the Central and Western District through creative designs. 

“Central Market” was one of the urban renewal projects selected by students as design topic. Year 2 students of the Higher Diploma in Architectural Studies of IVE (Tsing Yi), Elmer Tai, Ivan Lee and Valli Leung, were awarded the “Gold Award” and “Most Community-friendly Award”.  They proposed to install a water curtain at the open space of Atrium to relieve the noise nuisance from outside in order to create a tranquil space for the office workers in the Central and Western District.  The water curtain will also serve as digital display to provide a communication platform for the visitors while showcasing information of the tourist spots in Central so as to promote the local characteristics. 

“Gold Award” and “Most Community-friendly Award” – Elmer Tai, Ivan Lee, Valli Leung from IVE (Tsing Yi) Architectural Studies

Temporary diversion of the 24-hour passageway between Mid-Levels and Central will be implemented in Q4 2019 to tie in with revitalization works.
In the meanwhile, URA aims to take this opportunity to improve the condition of temporary passageway.

URA and the Central and Western District Council unveiled the light show “Snowing Market@CONET”. The show is on in the evening from 7th December 2018 to 5th January 2019. Look up to Central Market from Queens Road Central to see the light show on Central Market’s archtiecural features and urban landscape of Hong Kong.

Managing Director’s Blog:
創造社區空間 建立人與地關係 (Chinese version only)

The Advance Works for the future public plaza at the area near Queen’s Road Central has been completed. This area will become a new entrance plaza as part of public open space.

Bird eye view on backyard at Queen’s Road Central

Backyard at Queen’s Road Central

The Advanced Works fully utilised Building Information Modelling (BIM) technologies, from design, programme to cost control. 
Central Market Advanced Work Simulation

Central Market is now at Advance Works stage, mainly working at the areas near Queen’s Road Central. This area will become a new entrance plaza as part of the public open space.

Meanwhile, further improvement works were carried out at the public toilets at Des Voeux Road Central, including beautification works for improving the general interior.

Advanced Work at Backyard near Queens Road Central

Renovated Des Voeux Road Central Public Toilet

The 2017 Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism\Architecture exhibition at 24-hour public passageway will conclude in April. Look forward to the next exhibition in the new theme on the early development of Central District, introducing its history, naming old streets, land auctions, business activities and the Red Light District in the early days.


Hoarding works and safety net installation has been completed in April. The building will be “suited up” for the public to “preview” the revitalised building. Demolition of public toilet at the corner of Jubilee Street and Queens Road Central is also completed. The construction of public plaza on Queens Road Central shall commence in mid-2018.