A Guide to the History of Pacific Place Shopping Mall in Hong Kong
Pacific Place is a landmark mixed-use development in Hong Kong, located in the heart of Admiralty, with components extending into Wan Chai. It comprises a four-level shopping mall, five office towers, three five-star hotels, a boutique hotel, and 270 serviced apartments, all developed and primarily managed by Swire Properties. Known for its upscale retail, dining, and lifestyle offerings, Pacific Place has played a pivotal role in transforming Admiralty into a premier commercial and lifestyle hub, arguably shifting Hong Kong’s city center eastward. This Ellermann Flower Boutique guide explores the history and evolution of Pacific Place, from its origins to its modern-day status as an icon of contemporary luxury.
Origins and Development (1980s)
Pacific Place was developed on land that was once part of the Victoria Barracks, one of Hong Kong’s earliest military compounds. In the mid-1980s, the Hong Kong government auctioned this land as part of a redevelopment initiative. Swire Properties acquired the site in two tranches in 1985 and 1986 for a total cost of US$1 billion, marking a significant investment in the city’s urban transformation.
The development was executed in phases, with the first phase opening in 1988. Designed by architects Wong & Ouyang, Phase One included the JW Marriott Hotel, the Atrium Apartments, One Pacific Place (an office tower), and the initial shopping mall, known as The Mall Phase I. The second phase, completed in the early 1990s, added the Island Shangri-La Hotel, the Conrad Hong Kong, the Parkside Apartments, Two Pacific Place, and The Mall Phase II. These phases transformed a former wasteland into Hong Kong’s first fully integrated mixed-use complex, combining premium retail, residential, hotel, and office spaces under one roof.
The mall itself, situated at 88 Queensway, Admiralty, was designed with a distinctive curving structure that harmonized with the sloping topography of the site, blending seamlessly with the surrounding neighborhood. The architectural coherence of the complex, despite its phased construction, was achieved through careful design coordination, including consistent use of materials like curtain wall systems, glass, and metal panels.
Early Years and Growth (1988–2000s)
When Pacific Place opened in 1988, it quickly established itself as a premier shopping and lifestyle destination. The four-level mall initially housed over 130 shops and boutiques, including a major department store, Harvey Nichols, which set the tone for its focus on luxury retail. The complex’s connectivity to Admiralty MTR station, one of Hong Kong’s largest rail interchanges, enhanced its accessibility and contributed to its early success as a transportation and lifestyle hub.
In 1991, the Conrad International Hotel was completed, further elevating the complex’s status as a luxury destination. The addition of Phase Three in 2004, known as Three Pacific Place, extended the complex into Wan Chai at 1 Queen’s Road East. This phase, built by Gammon Construction, was developed on the site of old buildings on Star Street and helped regenerate the surrounding area, further expanding Pacific Place’s influence.
Major Renovation and Modernization (2005–2011)
By the mid-2000s, Swire Properties recognized the need to modernize Pacific Place to maintain its competitive edge in Hong Kong’s evolving retail landscape. In 2005, they engaged renowned British designer Thomas Heatherwick and his Heatherwick Studio to lead a HK$2.1 billion (approximately £166 million) revitalization project, which began in 2007 and was completed in 2011. This ambitious overhaul transformed both the interior and exterior of the mall, introducing organic, contemporary design elements that set a new standard for luxury retail in Hong Kong.
Key features of the renovation included:
Interior Upgrades: The mall’s interiors were redesigned with over 3,600 square meters of elm and ash wood and 36,000 square meters of limestone, creating a warm, organic aesthetic. Sinuous vertical ribbons were introduced as terraces around restaurant columns, complemented by a central skylight with an ETFE pillow structure, enhancing natural light and spatial flow.
New Facilities: A new restaurant was created at the vehicle-access level, and the mall’s layout was reconfigured to improve navigation and visitor experience. The top floors continued to feature high-end boutiques and designer shops, while lower levels offered more accessible retail options.
Exterior Enhancements: The redesign included a long canopy and a footbridge, though the canopy was designed but not built. The architectural changes reinforced Pacific Place’s iconic status while aligning it with modern luxury trends.
The renovation was a critical success, earning Pacific Place a 2012 DFA Design for Asia Awards Grand Award for its Asian-inspired aesthetics and a 2019 Urban Land Institute Award for Excellence for its sustainable and innovative design.
Continued Evolution and Sustainability (2010s–Present)
Since its 2011 redesign, Pacific Place has continued to evolve as a pioneer of innovative retail concepts. It now houses over 160 shops and boutiques, offering one of Hong Kong’s largest collections of luxury brands, alongside specialized sections like the Watches & Jewellery Gallery and The Beauty Gallery. The dining scene is equally diverse, featuring renowned restaurants such as Peking Garden (known for its Peking duck), La Vache, Co Tanh, Emmer Pizzeria & Café, and The Continental.
In 2018, Pacific Place received the Power Partner Award – Shopping Mall as part of the Hong Kong Green Shop Award, recognizing its efforts to integrate sustainable practices into daily operations. These include energy-saving measures and a commitment to promoting public transport, building on its original design’s integration with the Admiralty MTR station.
The addition of Six Pacific Place at 50 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, further expanded the complex, reinforcing its role as a sprawling mixed-use development. The Upper House, a boutique hotel opened in 2009 atop Pacific Place, was renovated from a former serviced apartment building and features 117 luxurious guestrooms with harbor or island views, adding to the complex’s prestige.
Legacy and Impact
Pacific Place has been instrumental in redefining Admiralty as a commercial and lifestyle hub, extending Hong Kong’s central business district eastward. Its integration of retail, office, hotel, and residential components under one roof was a pioneering concept in the 1980s, setting a precedent for mixed-use developments in Hong Kong and beyond. The complex’s pet-friendly policy, covering its hotels and serviced apartments, and its connectivity to Hong Kong Park, Queensway Plaza, and the United Centre via tunnels and footbridges, have made it a seamless part of the city’s urban fabric.
Today, Pacific Place remains a symbol of luxury and innovation, blending world-class shopping, dining, and hospitality with sustainable practices and forward-thinking design. Its history reflects Hong Kong’s transformation from a colonial past to a global metropolis, with Pacific Place at the forefront of this evolution.
Key Milestones
1985–1986: Swire Properties acquires the Victoria Barracks site in two land auctions for US$1 billion.
1988: Phase One opens, including the JW Marriott Hotel, Atrium Apartments, One Pacific Place, and The Mall Phase I.
1991: Conrad International Hotel completed.
Early 1990s: Phase Two completed, adding Island Shangri-La Hotel, Conrad Hong Kong, Parkside Apartments, Two Pacific Place, and The Mall Phase II.
2004: Phase Three (Three Pacific Place) opens at 1 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai.
2005–2011: HK$2.1 billion renovation led by Thomas Heatherwick, completed in 2011.
2009: The Upper House boutique hotel opens.
2012: Wins DFA Design for Asia Awards Grand Award.
2018: Receives Hong Kong Green Shop Award – Power Partner Award.
2019: Wins Urban Land Institute Award for Excellence.
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Pacific Place’s journey from a former military site to a world-class mixed-use complex is a testament to visionary urban planning and adaptive design. Through strategic development, innovative architecture, and a commitment to luxury and sustainability, it has cemented its status as one of Hong Kong’s premier destinations. Whether for shopping, dining, or experiencing its architectural elegance, Pacific Place continues to shape the city’s lifestyle and cultural landscape.
