Foster + Partners is undertaking one of Hong Kong's most challenging heritage preservation projects with Central Crossing, a massive 433,000-square-foot mixed-use development that combines modern construction with the restoration of historic buildings. The project, scheduled for completion in mid-2026, represents a critical test case for heritage preservation in one of the world's most densely populated cities.

Located in Hong Kong's Central district on Wellington Street between Graham and Cochrane Streets, Central Crossing sits strategically between three major heritage sites: Tai Kwun, PMQ, and Central Market. The development is being spearheaded by Wing Tai Properties and CSI Properties, with Foster + Partners serving as the master architect for the innovative dual-tower structure that will transform this historic corner of the city.

Michael Jones, the Senior Partner overseeing the project, brings three decades of experience in adaptive reuse of historic buildings to this challenging Hong Kong commission. His impressive portfolio includes London's Great Court at the British Museum and the Stirling Prize-winning Bloomberg Headquarters. For Jones, Central Crossing represents his first major project in Hong Kong and an opportunity to address how extreme urban density affects the integration of old and new construction.

The project's ambitious scope includes the preservation and integration of Grade 1 and Grade 3 heritage buildings, including one of Hong Kong's oldest surviving shophouses. The development aims to restore crucial pedestrian connections throughout the Central district while demonstrating how heritage buildings can remain economically viable in a modern urban context. The mixed-use towers feature Foster + Partners' signature design approach, with articulated facades that display tighter grain detailing at lower levels and transition to expansive glass surfaces at upper floors to capture panoramic city views.

In discussing his approach to the project, Jones explained how Hong Kong's distinctive culture and extreme urban density shaped the vision for Central Crossing. "On my first visit to Hong Kong, I was struck by the city's incredible density, as well as its rich history and many interesting juxtapositions between tradition and modernity," Jones said. "Our design for Central Crossing takes cues from these defining features of the urban landscape."

The strategic location of the site presented unique opportunities for urban planning and cultural integration. "The location of the site – between Tai Kwun, PMQ and Central Market – also presented an exciting opportunity to create a brand-new center for the area, at the intersection of these heritage landmarks and cultures," Jones noted. The project serves as "a celebration of Central's heritage and street life, which is enhanced with a vibrant new public space at the heart of the development and the crossing of many significant links through the city."

The preservation approach required careful consideration of how to maintain the integrity of historic structures while introducing necessary modern elements. Jones emphasized that the design was "guided by the tried-and-tested principle of look back to look forward, involving a detailed analysis of historic street grids and the form of heritage buildings." This methodology ensures that contemporary additions respect and enhance the historical context rather than overwhelming it.

The integration process involves celebrating and repurposing historical elements throughout the development. "One of the oldest surviving shop houses in Hong Kong is integrated into the design, while remnants of former buildings and historic shop fronts are celebrated and repurposed as part of the new public spaces and commercial activities," Jones explained. This approach ensures that the area's architectural heritage remains visible and accessible to future generations.

Central Crossing represents more than just preservation for preservation's sake – it demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to urban development that honors the past while creating value for the future. "The project is not only about preserving the legacy and heritage of the area but also giving it a vibrant and purposeful future," Jones concluded. The development promises to become a model for how dense urban environments can successfully balance development pressures with heritage conservation, creating spaces that serve both historical preservation and contemporary urban needs.