Issue 17 - CREATING BETTER LIFESCAPES

Sino Group at 50

webmaster@avalade.com — Tue, 18 May 2021 09:45:57 +0000

Sino Group is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year. It is an occasion to reflect on the path travelled alongside Hong Kong, such as the communities built and the progress made. The Tsim Sha Tsui Centre and Empire Centre exemplify our commitment — some of the first buildings in Tsim Sha Tsui East, they form the twin anchors of the district. We look forward to many more decades to come.

‘At 50, our company is young and energetic. We are fully committed to Hong Kong, and our community spirit remains at the heart of what we do today — promote positivity in the community as we grow with it. May the commitment to excellence and community spirit continue to guide us as we write new chapters of the Sino story as one united group for the next 50 years and more.’
— Daryl Ng, Deputy Chairman, Sino Group

The year 2021 holds special meaning for Sino Group as it marks our 50th anniversary. On 5 January 1971, the company was incorporated in Hong Kong. Over the past half a century, we have grown alongside the spectacular development of the city, our home.

The Group has developed more than 250 projects, with a footprint in Hong Kong, the Mainland, Singapore and Australia, and a team that now counts more than 10,000 across the Asia Pacific region. The Group’s work encompasses multiple sectors and scales — from seaside villas to large-scale estates, from high-street shops to mega shopping malls, from industrial buildings to Grade A office towers, and from exquisite serviced apartments to beautifully presented hotels housed in heritage landmarks.

On this auspicious occasion, Sino Group has activations across its properties and is engaging a variety of partners and community groups. Notable project launches include Grand Central, which is integral to the CBD² and Energizing Kowloon East projects and will breathe new life into one of the most established communities in Kowloon, as well as The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong, the first Fullerton Hotel in Hong Kong and an ideal destination for business travellers, families and urban explorers.

The Path Travelled

On the auspicious occasion of our 50^th anniversary, we reflect on the many memorable moments on our wondrous journey, made possible thanks to the hard work of our colleagues and great support of our customers and business associates.

1971

The Group is incorporated in Hong Kong on 5 January 1971

1972

Tsim Sha Tsui Properties Limited (HKSE: 247), the holding company of Sino Land Company Limited, is listed in Hong Kong

1980

Tsim Sha Tsui Centre, the first building in Tsim Sha Tsui East, is completed. Tsim Sha Tsui Centre and the adjacent Empire Centre are connected by an enclosed bridgeway, forming the twin anchors of the district

1981

Sino Land Company Limited (HKSE: 083) is listed in Hong Kong

1988

tmtplaza, a 100,000-square-metre shopping, dining and entertainment space opens as the largest retail centre in the Northwest New Territories

1990

Hong Kong Gold Coast by Castle Peak Bay is completed, providing an integrated waterfront precinct comprising seaside residences, Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel, Mediterranean-style shopping mall Gold Coast Piazza and the Gold Coast Yacht & Country Club and marina, situated next to a 1.4-kilometre beach

1995

Sino Hotels (Holdings) Limited (HKSE: 1221) is listed in Hong Kong

2001

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is opened at a ceremony graced by the then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong

Olympian City 1, the first phase of a three-phase development project, is completed, transforming the West Kowloon district into a chic and dynamic residential, commercial and entertainment hub. Olympian City 2 follows in 2002 and Olympian City 3 in 2011

2007

Vision City, an integrated city inspired by art and culture, is built on the Tsuen Wan new waterfront. The project includes Citywalk, the first and largest green shopping mall in Hong Kong and the first to feature vertical greenery spanning about 700 square metres. Citywalk has received the BEAM Plus Platinum rating for its environmentally friendly design and facilities

2008

Sino Caring Friends is established to organise volunteer services for employees of the Group in collaboration with community partners. By end-2020, the total volunteer service hours accumulated exceed 1,078,000 hours

Major shareholder the Ng Family establishes the not-for-profit Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation and wins the tender to revitalise and operate the old Tai O Police Station. Tai O Heritage Hotel, opened in March 2012. The hotel received an Award of Merit at the UNESCO 2013 Asia-Pacific Cultural Heritage Conservation Awards, becoming Hong Kong’s first UNESCO-awarded hotel

2009

Sino Land is named Best Residential Developer in Hong Kong in the Euromoney Real Estate Poll, recognising our high-quality residential projects

2010

The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore is opened. Built on the waters of Marina Bay, the 100-room hotel provides breathtaking architecture and stunning interiors that combine modernity and heritage

Sino Land is named Third Best Global Developer in the Euromoney Real Estate Poll

2012

Sino Land is selected as a constituent member of the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Benchmark Index

2014-15

Sino Land is named Best Developer Overall in Hong Kong in Euromoney’s Real Estate Survey for two consecutive years

2018

The Ng Family establishes the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation to foster an innovative spirit among the young generation and build a holistic innovation ecosystem. Sino Inno Lab provides a sandbox platform to test out inventions and facilitate co-creations in addition to supporting start-ups in developing proptech solutions

Sino Land Company Limited announces its Green Finance Framework and raises its first green loan, used for St. George’s Mansions

2019

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney opens, heralding the Fullerton brand’s international expansion. The hotel, housed in a much-loved historic landmark intertwined with Sydney’s development for close to 150 years, provides 416 exquisite guest rooms and suites

2020

Sino Land Company Limited joins the United Nations Global Compact as a Signatory, becoming one of the first Hong Kong developers to do so and standing with more than 13,000 leading companies, organisations and governments to champion principled business to build a better community

The post Sino Group at 50 appeared first on CREATING BETTER LIFESCAPES.

Celebrating 20 Years of Refined Hospitality

Chloe Lam — Tue, 18 May 2021 09:44:10 +0000

Opened on 1 January 2001, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore heralded a new chapter for refined hospitality in Singapore. The ‘Grande Dame’ makes her home in the former Fullerton Building, a magnificent neoclassical landmark completed in 1928 that was gazetted in December 2015 as Singapore’s 71^st National Monument, the highest form of national recognition. The building’s storied history includes uses as the General Post Office, the prestigious Singapore Club and various government departments.

Making its mark on Singapore’s history for close to a century, the building stands at the estuary of the Singapore River, its five frontages and colossal two-storey Doric colonnade forming an impressive façade adorned with ornate classical decorations by Swiss sculptor Rudolf Wening and Italian sculptor Cavaliere Rudolfo Nolli. At the time of its completion, modern facilities within the building included 14 lifts and automated mail-sorting equipment for the post office, which occupied the basement and the first two floors of the building. The upper floors were reserved for the Singapore Club’s facilities, and included a vaulted coffered ceiling. Reputed to be the only one of its kind in Singapore, this unique feature can still be seen today in The Straits Room.

In 1996, the Singapore Government announced plans to turn the building into a hotel. The building and its adjacent waterfront plots were acquired by Sino Group, and a collection of heritage landmarks — The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, The Fullerton Waterboat House, Clifford Pier and Customs House — forms the world-class The Fullerton Heritage, with new developments, namely The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, One Fullerton and The Fullerton Pavilion, added to the enchanting precinct by Marina Bay.

The beautifully presented 400-room The Fullerton Hotel Singapore was the first of the restored icons to open, following a thorough revitalisation and careful redesign by international architecture firm HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates. The hotel’s launch also inaugurated the Fullerton brand, expanded to include The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, and soon The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong, set to open in 2022.

Heritage preservation is a hallmark of the properties, and the building received an architectural heritage award from Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority. ‘Not only was attention paid to the built elements, but the history and memories are preserved through elements such as archive displays and complimentary heritage tours,’ says Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale, General Manager of The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts.

The past 20 years have seen the hotel morphing into a brand synonymous with refined hospitality for discerning travellers. ‘Part of what makes the Fullerton brand unique is that we believe in hospitality from the heart,’ says Cavaliere Giovanni. ‘Every guest who walks through the doors of The Fullerton Hotel will experience The Fullerton Hotel’s welcome and feel at home. We provide luxury hospitality that comes from the heart, and genuinely warm services as our guests create their own fond memories and stories while staying with us.’

Cavaliere Giovanni is glad to have experienced, both in the hotel’s evolution and in the hotel industry more generally, a renewed focus on providing ‘new luxury and authentic experiences’. Guests, he says, look for ‘unique, authentic local experiences instead of the usual bed-and-breakfast experience. When staying in a city, they want to get up close to learn about the local culture, cuisine, heritage, arts, crafts and people.’ With their unique combination of heritage and service, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore and its sister properties continue to provide refined bases from which to begin this wondrous journey.

Walking Down The Fullerton Memory Lane

2001

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is officially opened on 1 January by the then-Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Goh Chok Tong

The building restoration receives an architectural heritage award from the Urban Redevelopment Authority

2010

The Fullerton Bay Hotel opens in July

The Fullerton Heritage Gallery opens in The Fullerton Hotel Singapore

2011

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore celebrates its 10th anniversary, and launches the ‘Post a Memory’ contest for visitors and locals to share their favourite memories of the hotel

2012

The hotel launches The Fullerton Heritage Guided Tour and A Maritime Journey Tour, offering guests the opportunity to learn about the precinct’s rich history that is intertwined with the development of Singapore

2013

The Fullerton Heritage hosts the Clifford Pier: A Place in Our Hearts exhibition and Yesterday Once More postcard exhibition to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Clifford Pier, the first port of call for immigrants in the early days of Singapore

2014

The Clifford Pier restaurant opens at the restored Clifford Pier, while keeping its original architectural features and charm

2015

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore hosts a programme of celebrations and offers in honour of SG50, Singapore’s Golden Jubilee

The former Fullerton Building is gazetted as Singapore’s 71^st National Monument in December

2018

The 90^th anniversary of the Fullerton building sees the launch of the inaugural Fullerton Concours d’Elegance, a fun automotive and family event

Corporate social responsibility initiative The Fullerton Academy is launched to provide underprivileged youth with mentorship and apprenticeship opportunities in the hospitality industry

With teams of professional and dedicated staff, the two Fullerton Hotels in Singapore have won a good number of national and international awards for service excellence. The Fullerton Hotel Singapore was named among Singapore’s top three hotels in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards for three consecutive years from 2018 to 2020, while The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore was awarded number one hotel in Singapore in 2019 and 2020 in the annual Traveller’s Choice Awards by TripAdvisor.

The post Celebrating 20 Years of Refined Hospitality appeared first on CREATING BETTER LIFESCAPES.

Restoring Stilt Houses, Supporting the Community

Chloe Lam — Tue, 18 May 2021 09:43:48 +0000

The fishing village of Tai O is famous for its stilt houses, the iconic homes of its villagers. The homes were originally built by the seagoing Tanka people who settled in the area centuries ago; replicating their boat structures on poles, they constructed the stilt house as we know it today. The earlier versions were styled after inverted fishing boats, with wood, leaves and pine as their main materials, and gradually these were switched to galvanised iron sheets and stone for sturdier builds. Their artisan origins make the stilt houses a form of art and a way for locals to build their community.

Many stilt houses are experiencing wear and tear, affecting the residents’ quality of life and even safety. To address this, the Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation initiated the Tai O Stilt Houses Rehabilitation Programme in 2018. In collaboration with the HKYWCA Tai O Community Work Office and Tai O residents, the Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation repairs and restores these stilt houses, especially those belonging to elderly villagers, so as to conserve the intangible cultural value of the village and Hong Kong. Seven stilt houses have been restored since 2018.

‘It’s much better now. I don’t need to worry about tripping over due to broken flooring in the stilt house. Tai O is filled with kind-hearted, caring and companionable neighbours,’ says stilt house resident and programme beneficiary Auntie Shek Shui Mui, who has been living in her stilt house for more than 70 years. Uncle Sin, a local stilt house repair specialist, agrees. ‘Everyone here is enthusiastic, helping each neighbour and families in need.’

The Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation will continue its efforts in preserving the unique charm of the fishing village and promoting sustainable tourism at Tai O.

Click to learn more.

The post Restoring Stilt Houses, Supporting the Community appeared first on CREATING BETTER LIFESCAPES.

A Defining Decade Remembered

Chloe Lam — Tue, 18 May 2021 09:42:19 +0000

Sino Group, the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation and the Photographic Heritage Foundation are jointly presenting the exhibition Photographs from the 1950s: Marjorie Doggett’s Singapore, Lee Fook Chee’s Hong Kong.

Curated by the Photographic Heritage Foundation and supported by the Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in Hong Kong, the exhibition presents works by Marjorie Doggett, a pioneering female photographer from England, who captured the cityscapes and buildings of Singapore from 1954 to 1957, and Lee Fook Chee, a self-taught Singaporean photographer who focused on Hong Kong streetscapes during the same period. The exhibition showcases the parallel timelines of the 1950s in Hong Kong and Singapore, when they were on the cusp of their transformations into shining international metropolises, paying tribute to the rich shared history and warm friendship between the two great Asian cities.

The compelling imagery of Hong Kong ranges from the urban spaces of Des Voeux Road, Central District and Hennessy Road to the Cheung Chau waterfront, rice fields in the city’s alluvial plain and a Hakka village in the New Territories. Singapore’s icons include the former Fullerton Building, the Raffles Institution, the characteristic godowns along the Singapore River and the 19^th-century buildings on Collyer Quay.

There are a series of free docent tours for visitors and schools that introduce the history, architecture, iconic buildings and urban transformation of the two cities. A roving exhibition with highlights of the collection also takes place across Hong Kong until June.

The post A Defining Decade Remembered appeared first on CREATING BETTER LIFESCAPES.

Farm Together

Chloe Lam — Tue, 18 May 2021 09:41:52 +0000

Farm Together is Sino Group’s integrated green community project that plants the seeds for sustainability by promoting urban farming, social inclusion and bringing the community closer to nature.

We have converted six urban spaces in Hong Kong and one in Singapore into verdant, functional farms: Sky Farm at Skyline Tower, 148 Farm at 148 Electric Road, Gold Coast Fun Farm and Gold Coast Eco Farm at Gold Coast Residences, Gold Coast Farm and the Butterflies and Herbs Farm at Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel as well as the Fullerton Farm in Singapore. The farms span more than 2,600 square metres and grow more than 150 plant and crop species.

At 1,100 square metres, Sky Farm is the largest, and is home to more than 40 types of edible crops, including snow jade cabbage, roselle, black peanut and taro winter melon. Our most recent harvest yielded nearly 195 kg of produce, which was used to prepare hampers for guests. We expect to harvest more than 400 kg of produce each year from Sky Farm.

A more compact farm sits atop 148 Electric Road in North Point, spanning 130 square metres. It is growing more than 25 crops, with an expected annual harvest of 100 kg, as well as being a green space where our community and team members can relax while enjoying panoramic harbour views.

We also work with community partners such as Hong Chi Association to promote urban farming and social inclusion.

Through Farm Together, we join hands with our colleagues, residents, tenants, hotel guests and the wider community to build a greener future.

Click to learn more.

The post Farm Together appeared first on CREATING BETTER LIFESCAPES.

Sustainability Vision 2030

Chloe Lam — Tue, 18 May 2021 09:40:28 +0000

Sino Group has announced Sustainability Vision 2030, a blueprint charting the sustainability course for 2030 and beyond. In addition to setting goals aligning with the key areas of focus under the vision of ‘Creating Better Lifescapes’, the Group has adopted a 3R (Renew-Reduce-Redefine) strategy to support its efforts.

Renew

Harnessing renewable energy

3,000+ solar panels at 19 properties and three hotels by 2021 to generate 8,000,000 kWh by 2030 (from 2012 level), which can support 1,279 households for one year
Reduce greenhouse gas emission by 30% by 2030 from 2012 level

Reduce

Reducing single-use plastic consumption by 50% by 2022 (from 2017 level) across the board

1.98 million plastic bottles saved since April 2018, equivalent to reducing 3,140 tonnes of carbon emission or planting 136,539 trees

Redefine

Pursuing green building certification and WELL for all new projects in Hong Kong

Achieve BEAM Plus and WELL certification for all new projects in Hong Kong
3 properties have received WELL V2 pre-certification

Sustainability Report 2020

Sino Land Company Limited has published its tenth annual Sustainability Report, providing updates on our sustainability efforts.

We continue to make strides on our sustainability journey, including joining the United Nations Global Compact as a Signatory, fostering a culture of innovation, utilising renewable energy and adopting sustainable building standards such as BEAM Plus and WELL. These form part of our efforts under our Sustainability Vision 2030, a blueprint guiding our strategies and plans for 2030 and beyond. We look forward to working with our partners to build a more sustainable future.

The post Sustainability Vision 2030 appeared first on CREATING BETTER LIFESCAPES.

Wellness at Home

Chloe Lam — Tue, 18 May 2021 09:39:35 +0000

The growing awareness of wellness is shaping architecture and home design. Award-winning architect Frank Leung of via. architecture embraces this wholeheartedly, as seen at 133 Portofino. ‘For us, it has always been our ethos to create designs with human experience at the forefront,’ he says. ‘We believe in building conversations between nature and the built environment to foster wellness.’

True to this ethos, 133 Portofino is about balance. The seaside property is the first Hong Kong residential development to achieve WELL v2 pre-certification^△, the world’s first architectural benchmark focusing exclusively on human health and wellness to improve sustainability. Here, as Leung says, nature and building are in conversation.

Image 2

Image 3

Green is accentuated from the moment one steps into the development, exuding a sense of welcome and shinrin-yoku (‘forest bathing’)

Image 4

Green is accentuated from the moment one steps into the development, exuding a sense of welcome and shinrin-yoku (‘forest bathing’)

A calming outdoor dining area brings the feel of a chic wellness resort by the sea

Image 5

Image 6

The design team has worked to integrate exterior and interior spaces, such as in the design of the clubhouse, where elements are both drawn from the landscape and extend seamlessly from within. Interiors thoughtfully maximise the lush environment, framing surrounding views and emphasising openness and horizontality. Low furniture and earthy textures match nature’s soft palette, creating a coastal ambience

Name of Street and Street Number of the Development: No.133 Hong Kin Road

District: Sai Kung Town

Website address: www.133portofino.hk^#

The photographs, images, drawings or sketches shown in this advertisement / promotional material represent an artist’s impression of the development concerned only. They are not drawn to scale and / or may have been edited and processed with computerized imaging techniques. Prospective purchasers should make reference to the sales brochure for details of the development. The Vendor also advises prospective purchasers to conduct an on-site visit for a better understanding of the development site, its surrounding environment and the public facilities nearby.

Vendor: Joy Rise Limited Holding company of the vendor: Tsim Sha Tsui Properties Limited, Sino Land Company Limited, King Chance Development Limited, Modern Ace Investments Limited Authorized Person for the Development: Choy Ka Hung The firm or corporation of which the Authorized Person the Development is a proprietor, director or employee in his or her professional capacity: SPIRAL Architectural Design Limited Building Contractor for the Development: Wecon Construction & Engineering Limited The firms of solicitors acting for the Owner in relation to the sale of residential properties in the Development: Woo Kwan Lee & Lo Authorized institution that has made a loan or has undertaken to provide finance for the construction of the Development: China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation Limited (The relevant undertaking has been cancelled) Other person who has made a loan for the construction of the Development: Sing-Ho Finance Company Limited The Development comprises 3 residential towers and 7 houses with a total of 33 residential properties This advertisement is published by the Vendor or by another person with the consent of the Vendor #The address of the website designated by the Vendor for the Development for the purposes of Part 2 of the Residential Properties (First-hand Sales) Ordinance. Prospective purchasers are advised to refer to the sales brochure for any information on the Development. Please refer to the sales brochure for details. This advertisement/ promotional material shall not constitute or be construed as the Vendor giving any offer, representation, undertaking or warranty, whether express or implied.

Printing date: 8 May 2021

Image 1, Image 2, Image 4, Image 5, Image 6 and Image 7 were taken at 133 Portofino on 3 November 2020, and Image 3 was taken at 133 Portofino on 6 November 2020. All images have been processed with computerized imaging techniques. The layout, partitions, specifications, measurements, colours, materials, fittings, finishes, appliances, furniture, decorative items, plants, landscaping and other objects of the Development shown in the images may not be present at the Development or in its vicinity. The environment, buildings and facilities surrounding the Development may change from time to time. The opening hours and operation of the facilities of the Development are subject to government’s approval, relevant laws, land grant, deed of mutual covenant, terms of use of the clubhouse and the situation of the environment. Upon the date of occupation of the Development, the facilities may not be immediately used and additional fees may be charged. The Vendor reserves the right to decide whether to make available any of the facilities and revise and change the design, specifications, features, plans, materials and use of the clubhouse/Development and all facilities upon handover of the residential properties of the Development without further notice. Image 3 shall not constitute or be construed as the Vendor’s offer, undertaking, representation or warranty, whether express or implied, as to whether limousine services will be provided at the Development. All images are for reference only, and shall not constitute or be construed as the Vendor’s offer, undertaking, representation or warranty, whether express or implied. The Vendor also advises prospective purchasers to conduct an on-site visit for a better understanding of the development site, its surrounding environment and the public facilities nearby.

^△ For details, please refer to https://www.sino.com/en/media-centre/press-release/2020/133-portofino-awarded-well-core-v2-pre-certification-in-recognition-of-features-and-practices-to-protect-health-and-well-being/ (Last retrieval date: 19 June 2020)

The post Wellness at Home appeared first on CREATING BETTER LIFESCAPES.

Grand, Green Designs

webmaster@avalade.com — Tue, 18 May 2021 09:38:32 +0000

Kwun Tong, core to the Energizing Kowloon East and CBD² initiatives, is undergoing a major rejuvenation with a generous provision of public spaces, leisure areas, hip cafes and restaurants, and co-working spaces; in other words, it is becoming a modern urban space abuzz with interactions, dialogues and happenings. An integral component of this exciting urban redevelopment is Grand Central, a mixed-use project with excellent accessibility and a host of public facilities to look forward to.

Slated for completion in the second quarter of 2021, Grand Central provides 1,999 residential units over four towers atop a two-storey public transport interchange, as well as public spaces and a retail podium. Respected landscape architect Adrian L Norman has been engaged to bring an ‘urban wellness environment’ to life in the project’s outdoor space.

With two decades of landscape architecture experience, Adrian seeks to leverage design to connect humans with nature. ‘As designers, we look to see what’s important, what’s needed for society and what elements we can add to a project that might influence the way people use space,’ he explains. ‘There’s an innate sense within humans to connect to the natural environment, and we’re always striving to design for that.’

Accessibility is a key consideration, in terms of both enabling people to access the space from an established community and developing a new neighbourhood centre to which people feel strongly connected.

Adrian’s design for Grand Central encourages both residents and the public to enjoy the outdoor space and understand that this contributes to one’s improvement in health and wellness. ‘Our idea is to try and coach people to use outdoor space as much as possible, and to enjoy the beauty of the space,’ he elaborates, noting that Grand Central features more than 7,500 square metres of outdoor green space. To further this goal, his team has designed a 50-metre swimming pool and included elements like trees and lawn space so that residents ‘have a very large area to utilise for wellness and well-being’. Other outdoor activities are made possible with spaces such as barbecue areas, outdoor kitchens, herb gardens and children’s play areas.

With more than 400 trees planted for the project, Grand Central is a sight to behold in the urban environment, and its oasis-like nature also reduces the reliance on air conditioning. Adrian’s planting scheme, comprising ornamental trees that flower at different times of the year, allows for seasonal variation, and in the winter the deciduous trees allow for more light to penetrate the complex’s interiors.

Sustainability has been another key consideration from the project’s ideation through to completion, and Adrian says that the team ‘looked at innovative ways of developing the idea of sustainability’. These efforts culminated in a clubhouse replete with green features, such as wind turbines that power lighting, an automatic irrigation system to reduce water consumption and solar panels that harvest energy for phone charging, as well as paving and exercise equipment that can generate energy from people’s motions. All of these elements, Adrian says, ‘contribute to improving the sustainability of the development’; they are also set to make a mark on the urban fabric of Kwun Tong and Hong Kong.

Rendering of Grand Central Podium and Residential Clubhouse¹

Name of Street and Street Number of Phase I & Phase II of the Development: No.33 Hip Wo Street

District: Kwun Tong (South)

Website Address: www.grandcentral.hk#

The photographs, images, drawings or sketches shown in this advertisement / promotional material represent an artist’s impression of the development concerned only. They are not drawn to scale and / or may have been edited and processed with computerized imaging techniques. Prospective purchasers should make reference to the sales brochure for details of the Development. The Vendor also advises prospective purchasers to conduct an on-site visit for a better understanding of the development site, its surrounding environment and the public facilities nearby.

Date of Printing: 8 May 2021

¹The image is the rendering of Grand Central Podium and Residential Clubhouse. The image is not taken from the Development and has been processed with computerized imaging techniques. The layout, partitions, specifications, measurements, colours, materials, fittings, finishes, appliances, furniture, decorative items, plants, landscaping and other objects may not appear in the Development or its vicinity when the Development is completed. The renderings only show the general appearance of the Development and does not reflect the final appearance. The structures and surrounding environment of the Development have not been shown in the renderings or may be different from the reality. The renderings do not show the air conditioners, pipe ducts, and grilles on the external wall of the Development. This promotional material does not reflect the actual view or the external appearance of the Development. The vendor also advises prospective purchasers to conduct on-site visit for a better understanding of the development site, its surrounding environment and the public facilities nearby. The renderings and the information contained in the renderings are for references only. This promotional material shall not constitute any express or implied offer, representation, undertaking or warranty given by the Vendor. | Vendor: Urban Renewal Authority (“the Owner”) (as the legal or beneficial owner of the residential properties concerned in Phase I and Phase II of the Development), Union Score Investments Limited (“the person so engaged”) (as the person engaged by the Owner to coordinate and supervise the process of designing, planning, constructing, fitting out, completing and marketing Phase I and Phase II of the Development.) | Holding company of the vendor (Urban Renewal Authority): Not applicable | Holding company of the vendor (Union Score Investments Limited): Tsim Sha Tsui Properties Limited, Sino Land Company Limited, King Chance Development Limited and Power Elite Ventures Limited | Authorized Person for Phase I and Phase II of the Development: Tang Kwok Wah Owen (until 28 February 2019) , Chan Wing Che (from 1 March 2019) | The firm or corporation of which the Authorized Person for Phase I and Phase II of the Development is a proprietor, director or employee in his or her professional capacity: Wong Tung & Partners Limited | Building Contractor for Phase I and Phase II of the Development: CR Construction Company Limited | The firms of solicitors acting for the Owner in relation to the sale of residential properties in Phase I and Phase II of the Development: Mayer Brown, Woo Kwan Lee & Lo, King & Wood Mallesons, Chu & Lau and Sit, Fung, Kwong & Shum | Authorized institution that has made a loan or has undertaken to provide finance for the construction of Phase I of the Development: China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation Limited (Note: the relevant undertaking has been cancelled) | Authorized institution that has made a loan or has undertaken to provide finance for the construction of Phase II of the Development: Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited (Note: the relevant undertaking has been cancelled) | Other person who has made a loan for the construction of Phase I and Phase II of the Development: King Chance Development Limited and Tycoon Fame Limited (Note: the relevant loan has been repaid) | Phase I of the Development comprises 2 residential towers with a total of 1,025 residential properties; Phase II of the Development comprises 2 residential towers with a total of 974 residential properties | This advertisement is published by the person so engaged with consent of the Owner.

#The address of the website designated by the Vendor for Phase I and Phase II of the Development for the purposes of Part 2 of the Residential Properties (First-hand Sales) Ordinance.

Prospective purchasers are advised to refer to sales brochures for any information of Phase I and Phase II of the Development. Please refer to the sales brochure for details.

The post Grand, Green Designs appeared first on CREATING BETTER LIFESCAPES.

Kwun Tong’s Treasures

Chloe Lam — Tue, 18 May 2021 09:37:19 +0000

One of Hong Kong’s most established districts, Kwun Tong is undergoing a major transformation that makes it a fascinating mix of old and new. Treasures await the curious, from traditional temples and shops to picturesque nature walks and a new urban destination.

1. Devil’s Peak & Gough Battery

Stage 3 of the Wilson Trail, a favourite path among hikers, takes you to Devil’s Peak, whose 222-metre height commands stunning views across Kowloon East and Victoria Harbour. This panorama also made it a perfect military vantage point, and during the Second World War, batteries and redoubts were installed as part of the city’s defence measures against Japanese invasion. The batteries and redoubts remain along this beautiful hiking trail as a reminder of Hong Kong’s unique history.

2. Lei Yue Mun Fishing Village

The village known as Lei Yue Mun today is an amalgamation of several ancient villages, founded by stonemasons who cut granite from the nearby mountains, an integral part of the local construction industry from the early 19th century to the mid-20th century. The villages were once home to a number of seafront quarries, as well as fishers and farmers. As the quarries closed, the area was gradually filled with seafood restaurants boasting huge tanks of live catch, which is what it’s known for today — and which means you can find some delicious local specialities. Walking further to the east along the coastline, you’ll find a village with remnants of the old quarries, which are popular among recreational anglers.

3. Lei Yue Mun Tin Hau Temple

Near the village and at the far eastern end of Victoria Harbour is one of the most dramatic temple locations in Hong Kong — on stormy days, huge waves crash against the walls of Lei Yue Mun’s Tin Hau Temple. Built in 1753 by pirate Zheng Lian-chang, the temple is also believed to have been Zheng’s base of operations. While the original temple was demolished and fully rebuilt in 1953, one can still walk around the temple and appreciate its footprint of natural rock formations. Tin Hau is the traditional folk goddess of the sea, and for her birthday in the third lunar month, celebrations are held for days on end with activities like Cantonese opera and lion dancing.

4. Former Royal Air Force (RAF) Kai Tak

RAF Kai Tak was built in 1927, and was in use until 1978 as the base for all manner of aircraft, from seaplanes and land-based planes to helicopters; then, from 1993 onwards, it continued to be an airbase for the Government Flying Service. Three of the original buildings remain, and are currently listed as Grade I historic buildings. Built in neoclassical style with deep, colonnaded verandas, the buildings feature many original details, such as Regency-style ironwork, Art Deco influences in their porches and steps, and wood-panelled doors with Royal Air Force emblems above. The headquarters building is now occupied by the charity Caritas Family Crisis Support Centre, while the Officers’ Mess and its Annex Block now house the Hong Kong Baptist University Academy of Visual Arts.

5. Kwun Tong Promenade

Hong Kong’s postcard-perfect panorama of Victoria Harbour is best viewed from Kowloon, and Kwun Tong Promenade is ideal for taking it all in. Apart from a timber-decked boardwalk that stretches for almost a kilometre along the coastline, the promenade is dotted with plenty of green spaces. Be it taking a long sunset walk, having a picnic or building some muscle on the outdoor pull-up bars, Kwun Tong Promenade has it all, with a view.

6. Sam Shan Kwok Wong Temple

In most historically Hakka and Chiu Chow communities, you’ll find a Taoist Sam Shan Kwok Wong Temple, dedicated to the worship of the Lords of the Three Mountains — the Jin, Ming and Du Mountains in Chaozhou, which represent the Great, Second and Third Lords respectively. This 19th-century version was built in a style typical of the Qing era, and while it has been renovated extensively, key features such as the granite walls, green ceramic roof tiles and auspicious ceramic figurines adorning the ridges remain. A festival of the three deities is held each year on the 25th day of the second lunar month, when the temple becomes a hive of activity, from Cantonese opera performances to rituals such as fortune telling through the throwing of ‘moon blocks’.

7. Tai Wong Ye Temple

Legend has it that when the Song Dynasty fell, many of its soldiers and officials escaped southward, with a significant portion of them landing in Hong Kong. With them, they brought their ancestral tablets and, according to tradition, a spirit was carried in one such tablet: the spirit of a Tang Dynasty general, whose apparition appeared frequently to provide help to the nearby villagers. Residents of Lok Fu built Tai Wong Ye Temple for the general, and it was relocated to Kwun Tong in 1963. The current temple features many colourful porcelain paintings, most notably the entrance framed by a green dragon to the left and a white tiger to the right, common in Chinese culture for auspicious reasons.

8. Tai Ma Sauce

One of the few artisanal sauce makers remaining in Hong Kong, family-owned Tai Ma is loved by those in the know for its naturally brewed, preservative-free soya sauce, which takes months to ferment under the sun in a method largely unchanged for four generations. Although some Tai Ma products can be found in shops around town, this is the brand’s flagship, and it has proudly been serving Kwun Tong locals for six decades. Here you’ll find the family’s full range of products, from soya sauce to shrimp paste, fermented tofu to preserved plums.

9. Grand Central

Cities around the world are realising the energy that can be released by revitalising former industrial areas — New York’s Hudson Yards and London’s Coal Drops Yard are two examples. With this in mind, the Hong Kong government established the Energizing Kowloon East Office in 2012 with a focus on Kwun Tong, which has led to an upsurge in contemporary office space and apartments that exemplify the best in modern living. Just a quick stroll from the promenade is Grand Central, a key piece in this revitalisation. With close to 2,000 luxury residential units alongside large green swathes set up for outdoor recreation, retail and a transport interchange that connects with Kwun Tong Station, this mixed-use development is the capstone in the Kwun Tong Town Redevelopment Plan.

Neighbourhood Gems

Kwun Tong’s ongoing transformation is bringing a smorgasbord of food and beverage options, supermarkets and home product brands.

Brass Spoon Le Jardin

Founded in 2015, Brass Spoon has quickly established itself as a brand synonymous with high-quality Vietnamese street food, particularly the classic pho. The team’s commitment to making everything in-house and using only quality ingredients has made them a local favourite, and earned them Michelin Bib Gourmand Awards each year from 2016 to 2020, the city’s only Vietnamese restaurant to carry this honour since 2017. Brass Spoon Le Jardin marks a new concept for its location at Yue Man Square, which features an al fresco area facing a garden.

Shop 302, Yue Man Square, 33 Hip Wo Street, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong

INMU Shop

The characters in INMU mean ‘world’ and ‘wood’, and for the founders of this Japanese-style supermarket, the sturdiness of wood highlights strength in simplicity and loyalty. This is true to their vision of collecting high-quality, unique products from around the world to bring customers a surprise every time they visit.

Shops 176 and 203, Yue Man Square, 33 Hip Wo Street, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong

Daikin Solution Plaza

Much-loved ventilation, heating and cooling brand Daikin opened its Solution Plaza in Kwun Tong a decade ago, and the welcoming space has recently undergone a thorough renovation. The 270-square-metre space is designed to serve as an experience centre: rather than simply looking at products in a showroom, customers can experience several different types of systems including residential and commercial in spaces that replicate the environments they will be
used in.

17/F Futura Plaza, 111–113 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong

The post Kwun Tong’s Treasures appeared first on CREATING BETTER LIFESCAPES.