How The Landmark’s ‘Tomorrow’s Central’ keeps the district’s soul alive while shaping its future
It’s safe to say that the Central business district is Hong Kong’s heartbeat.Its streets and institutions have defined the territory’s civic, financial and cultural life: the Court of Final Appeal, Jardine House, the Star Ferry, the iconic architecture of Lord Norman Foster and IM Pei.
“Walk through Central and you see Hong Kong’s story in microcosm,” says Alexander Li, director and head of retail at Hongkong Land. “It has been and continues to be the stage for the city’s biggest milestones.”
One of the Central district’s milestones, The Landmark, is undergoing a once-in-a-generation evolution. Under the banner “Tomorrow’s Central,” Hongkong Land and its tenants have committed over US$1 billion to update and re-imagine its portfolio, while keeping the area open and active throughout.
The Landmark has grown up with Central, and the people of Hong Kong. “Since Hongkong Land’s first developments here in the early 1900s, we’ve been here through the ebbs and flows – adapting to change while helping to shape Hong Kong’s evolution,” Li says. “‘Tomorrow’s Central’ is about creating experiences and a community that reflect Hong Kong’s changing tides, ensuring Central remains a global benchmark for luxury for generations to come.”
La Vache! (Photo: Courtesy of Hongkong Land)
La Vache! (Photo: Courtesy of Hongkong Land)
Peak Pizza (Photo: Courtesy of Hongkong Land)
Emmer Pizza (Photo: Courtesy of Hongkong Land)
L'ATELIER de Joël Robuchon (Photo: Courtesy of Hongkong Land)
Tomorrow’s Central: where past and future converge
The starting point for Tomorrow’s Central was not just about architecture or retail mix, but about people. “We asked ourselves what makes visiting The Landmark memorable,” Li says. “Many in our community have a deep, personal connection to this place,” Li says. Preserving that sense of familiarity sat alongside a clear mandate to make space for growth. “For some brands, much more space was needed to evolve with and provide a completely different customer journey. That’s why we created maison locations.”
The Landmark’s familiarity has always been part of its appeal, even as the experiences inside it continue to evolve. Major houses including Dior, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, Prada, Patek Philippe, Saint Laurent and Van Cleef & Arpels are moving into newly reimagined spaces, joined by Schiaparelli’s first Asian boutique opening in 2026. The shift extends beyond retail: revitalised dining concepts at Basehall and the return of L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon signal how the district is being refreshed from within, bringing new energy to a place Hongkongers already know by heart. “There should be something for everyone,” Li says.
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon has been part of The Landmark’s dining identity for 18 years, earning three Michelin stars for an unparalleled 13 of them. Its return in a significantly expanded space captures the spirit of the transformation — familiar, yet raised in scale and ambition. The trademark red-and-black palette remains, now complemented by a wine cellar four times its former size and a private dining room created with French heritage brand La Cornue.
Alexander Li, director and head of retail at Hongkong Land (Photo: Courtesy of Hongkong Land)
“I had seen the renderings, but seeing it in person was still a moment,” Li says. “Its longevity shows how deeply it resonates with our community.”
The Landmark’s Basehall experience also reflects a diverse yet universal approach to dining. “We did our homework,” says Li. “That meant going across the city to find the best local flavours and bringing them into Central, alongside international names and homegrown brands.“The Basehall concept rethinks the traditional food-court model. We’ve created opportunities for operators who wouldn’t have a presence in Central, giving them a platform to bring their flavours into one of the city’s most established districts.”
Classics sit along with innovative concepts: from Michelin-starred omakase at Sushi Mamoru, yakitori at Torikaze, and Parisian steakhouse at La Vache!, to daily quick bites from Temai, LMO Freshly Baked or coffee at Frenchies. “We have an exceptional list of fine‑dining establishments, but innovating tomorrow’s luxury also means integrating everyday indulgences and accessible experiences into the mix. Each [selection] was chosen for their authenticity and the fresh energy they bring to The Landmark’s community,” explains Li.
Sushi Mamoru (Photo: Courtesy of Hongkong Land)
Temai (Photo: Courtesy of Hongkong Land)
Torikaze (Photo: Courtesy of Hongkong Land)
Torikaze (Photo: Courtesy of Hongkong Land)
Keeping the District Alive Through Change
Renovating a working landmark requires some sensitive choreography. Stores are relocated; hoardings come and go; life must continue around the construction.
“It’s a long process that inevitably brings some disruption,” Li says. “A key priority has been keeping our tenants and customers engaged throughout.”
Recent months have seen major events amidst changes. At The Landmark Atrium: Tiffany & Co marked two decades of craftsmanship, Takashi Murakami appearing at Casetify’s Murakami World, and Louis Vuitton hosting a North Asia-exclusive unveiling attended by Pharrell Williams. “We’ve been deliberate in keeping The Landmark vibrant, supporting our brand partners as they have supported us, and ensuring our community feels engaged every step of the way,” says Li.
Not just retail, but roots
For all the planning, Li speaks most warmly about daily rituals and personal history. His grandfather ate lobster spaghetti at Café Landmark “every day for decades.” His mother worked in Gloucester Tower. Now he brings his own children to Central on weekends — for a pizza at Emmer (a recent addition to the dining mix) or to browse at Bookazine (a Central mainstay for nearly four decades). “Somewhere along the way, I’ll be telling my kids what’s more to come because they are the best practice for me ahead of meeting customers!” admits Li.
“You see 40 years of community in our customers,” he adds. “Locals with grandparents, parents and children; business [people] and tourists.”
That, he believes, is what gives The Landmark its significance. “I think its meaning comes down to The Landmark’s enduring connection to Central. It has always been at the heart of Hong Kong’s story, and as a born-and-bred Hongkonger, being part of something so intrinsic to the district is a real source of pride.”