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Hongkong Land and luxury retail tenants to invest more than US$1 billion (HK$7.8 billion) in LANDMARK, Hong Kong

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2 years ago

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LANDMARK

Hongkong Land’s strategic investment of US$400 million (HK$3.1 billion) in LANDMARK reinforces Central, Hong Kong as a world-class destination for luxury retail, lifestyle and business
Hongkong Land estimates an additional US$600 million (HK$4.7 billion) capital investment from retail tenants across the LANDMARK retail portfolio
Cartier, CHANEL, Dior, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Saint Laurent, Sotheby’s, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels have committed to create world-class destinations

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 June 2024 – Hongkong Land today announced “Tomorrow’s CENTRAL”, its upcoming plan to invest over US$400 million (HK$3.1 billion) to expand and upgrade its LANDMARK retail portfolio over a three-year period, with phase one commencing in the third quarter of 2024. Additional capital investments of an estimated US$600 million (HK$4.7 billion) will be made by Hongkong Land’s retail tenants across the LANDMARK portfolio in the design and creation of new offerings. As part of the transformation project, 10 world-class, multi-storey Maison destinations will be created, establishing a unique luxury retail proposition, both in Hong Kong and globally.

John Witt, Group Managing Director of Jardine Matheson, welcomes Hongkong Land’s transformative project, which will cement Central’s status as a world-class retail, dining and business hub. The project aligns with Jardines’ long held drive to grow our businesses alongside our communities, with the vision to capture long-term opportunity.

Hongkong Land is making this strategic investment to meet its luxury tenants’ demand for significant additional retail space and enhanced brand representation in the heart of Central, Hong Kong. The Maison destinations will be some of the largest anywhere in the world, providing exceptional services and amenities to LANDMARK’s deep pool of loyal and discerning clients. The Group’s investment and the substantial investment from its strategic retail tenants underscores LANDMARK’s, Central’s and Hong Kong’s continuing status as one of the world’s leading luxury destinations.

Alexander Li, Chief Retail Officer, Commercial Property, Hong Kong & Macau, Hongkong Land; Michael Smith, Chief Executive, Hongkong Land; The Hon Michael WONG Wai-lun, GBS, JP, Deputy Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; John Witt, Group Managing Director, Jardine Matheson; and Alvin Kong, Executive Director, Hongkong Land (from left to right) attend the announcement event of Hongkong Land’s strategic investment in LANDMARK and the Central Portfolio. This move aims to reinforce the Group’s leadership in luxury retail, support the global expansion of its esteemed global brand partners and capitalise on the growing demand for luxury goods.

The milestone project will expand Hongkong Land’s regional market share and leadership in the luxury goods segment. It will also heighten the attractiveness of its Central Portfolio ecosystem to tenants and clients through enhanced lifestyle, dining and retail concepts, connectivity, circulation and convenience. LANDMARK will remain open and activated throughout the transformation period while the project is completed in phases.

Mr Michael Smith, Chief Executive of Hongkong Land, said: “The considerable investments Hongkong Land and its strategic partners are making are not only a powerful endorsement of Central’s enduring role as the city’s iconic business and lifestyle hub but also demonstrate our shared, unwavering confidence in Hong Kong’s future as a global financial centre.”

“Our transformation of LANDMARK will reinforce the Central Portfolio’s position as one of the world’s most desirable locations to live and work,” he added.

Hongkong Land’s capital expenditure will be funded over three years and will be underpinned by the Group’s strong financial position. As at 31st March 2024, gearing was 16% and committed liquidity (cash and unused borrowing facilities) was US$3.1 billion (HK$24.2 billion). While there will be a temporary and moderate reduction of rental income during the upgrade period, the Group expects this investment to deliver stronger growth in tenant sales and retail income thereafter.

“Tomorrow’s CENTRAL”, Hongkong Land’s three-year strategic plan to transform LANDMARK is set to create 10 world-class, multi-storey Maison destinations that will offer exceptional experiences and reinforce Central as a global destination for luxury retail, lifestyle and business.

Expanded global Maison spaces and diversified retail

Three unique Maison destinations of between two and eight storeys will be created in each of LANDMARK ATRIUM, LANDMARK ALEXANDRA, and LANDMARK PRINCE’S, while one will be developed in LANDMARK CHATER, doubling the retail areas of the 10 luxury brands to over 220,000 sq. ft. (21,000 sq. m.).

The enlarged spaces will enable brands to showcase the widest assortment of products and create highly personalised services for their Very Important Customers (‘VIC’) including haute couture, private dining concepts, outdoor terraces and double-heighted VIC salons. The eye-catching, extensive upgrades of building facades will transform Central’s cityscape.

On completion, LANDMARK will house some of the best expressions of these 10 brands anywhere in the world, within less than half a square kilometre. Hongkong Land is also partnering with international auction house Sotheby’s to turn art appreciation into true immersion as Sotheby’s 24,000 sq. ft. (2,230 sq. m.) state-of-the-art exhibition space opens in LANDMARK CHATER from July 2024.

To accommodate the growth of retail areas, the Group is converting the lowest two levels of office space in Prince’s Building and Gloucester Tower as well as relocating the bar and lobby of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. All affected office tenants are expected to be relocated within the Central Portfolio. This allows the Group to implement the full potential of this project while bringing exciting new concepts to our office community.

Upholding its holistic vision and the uniqueness of Central, LANDMARK will have a diversified retail offering of over 200 tenants, which includes upcoming and legacy brands that have been long-term partners of Hongkong Land, some of whom are exclusive to LANDMARK in Hong Kong.

“This collaboration with strategic tenants will shape the future of Central for many years to come,” said Mr Alvin Kong, Executive Director, Hongkong Land.

“Our investment will elevate and enrich our Central Portfolio ecosystem and provide our community of international and local business leaders and discerning shoppers with an unrivalled luxury retail and dining offer,” he added.

Exceptional experiences and enriched ecosystem

LANDMARK’s retail podiums will be reconfigured to meet customers’ demand for high-quality, diverse lifestyle options and to elevate experiences through improved circulation and connectivity.

After the completion of the transformation project, the Central Portfolio will have a total of approximately 260,000 sq. ft. (24,000 sq. m.) of F&B space and over 30 new and refreshed F&B concepts including two new restaurants overlooking Statue Square at LANDMARK PRINCE’S, two new concepts in The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong and new al fresco offerings at LANDMARK ATRIUM. In total, LANDMARK will house more than 100 F&B offerings, including its existing 15 Michelin Stars and 1 Michelin Green Star.

The project will further integrate the Group’s assets with the Central Portfolio ecosystem through additional pedestrian access at the basement floor of LANDMARK ATRIUM, which will provide multi-level connectivity, and an elevated office lobby experience for Edinburgh Tower and Gloucester Tower on the third floor.

Model for CENTRAL Series

LANDMARK is the home of Hongkong Land’s CENTRAL Series and underpins its expertise and reputation in delivering exceptional luxury and lifestyle experiences that are recognised across the world.

In the next four years, the Group will launch four new properties under the CENTRAL Series, adding net retail lettable area of approximately 3,703,000 sq. ft. (344,000 sq. m.) The Shanghai West Bund Financial Hub project will join LANDMARK as part of the Group’s GLOBAL CENTRAL developments, which are characterised by prestigious locations in internationally recognised lifestyle destinations that will serve as global best-in-class retail developments.

Sustainability leadership

The Group has set specific sustainability ambitions for the transformation project with extensive use of green building materials, including employing 100% low-carbon concrete, 100% green rebar and 100% sustainable timber. Additionally, 80% of construction plants and equipment used in the project will be electric to reduce carbon emissions.

Upon completion, LANDMARK aims to secure several of the highest environmental, health and safety and wellbeing certifications including BEAM Plus Interiors, LEED Commercial Interiors and WELL, making it one of the greenest property upgrades in Hong Kong.

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Enlit Africa seeks contributions that move the conversation from strategy to execution: ensuring a Future Fit Africa

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2 days ago

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September 25, 2026

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Africa

Share your expertise with Africa’s power, energy and water community, connect with decision makers from across the value chain and contribute to the conversations shaping the continent’s next generation of infrastructure and investment

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, September 25, 2026/APO Group/ –Speaker submissions are open for Enlit Africa, created by VUKA Group (www.WeAreVuka.com), as it returns to the CTICC, Cape Town from 11–13 May 2027.

Do you have a project, lesson, strategy or innovation that Africa’s energy sector should hear about?

 




  

We invite utilities, project owners, developers, IPPs, commercial and industrial energy users, municipalities, policymakers, regulators, financiers, researchers and industry practitioners to submit abstracts sharing practical experience, case studies, research, projects and lessons from across Africa’s changing energy and water sectors.

What are we looking for?

We particularly encourage non-vendor speakers to submit contributions across:

  1. Enlit Africa Main Stage – From Strategy to Execution
    Policy, market reform, investment, leadership and the decisions required to turn Africa’s energy ambitions into implementation.
  2. Generation
    New capacity, generation technologies, energy security, operating performance and Africa’s evolving energy mix.
  3. Transmission & Distribution
    Grid expansion, modernisation, open access, system operation, cross-border interconnection, digitalisation and infrastructure investment.
  4. Municipal Forum:Municipal management, with an emphasis on electricity and water – with a strong emphasis on service delivery.
  5. Power Hub:Technical advancements in power generation, transmission, distribution and more. Technical presentations encouraged.
  6. Water Hub:Technical insights into water management and solutions.
  7. Water Security Hub: Strategy, finance, management and technology application for water security.
  8. Project & Investment Hub: Project developments, country roundtables, project briefings, finance, and innovative financing models (including M300).
  9. Renewable Energy & Storage:Covering both technical and strategic applications of renewables and storage.

What makes a strong submission?

We want to hear about what is happening on the ground.

Tell us about:

  • A project being implemented or developed
  • A challenge your organisation has solved – or is still trying to solve
  • Lessons from implementation
  • New research or industry findings
  • Innovative financing or commercial models
  • Technologies being deployed in real operating environments
  • Policy or regulatory changes and what they mean in practice
  • Approaches that could be replicated elsewhere in Africa

Preference will be given to submissions that provide practical insights, measurable outcomes and lessons that the wider industry can apply.

Why present at Enlit Africa?

Africa does not need another conversation about what should happen. Help us explore how we make it happen and how we ensure Africa is future fit.

Share your expertise with Africa’s power, energy and water community, connect with decision makers from across the value chain and contribute to the conversations shaping the continent’s next generation of infrastructure and investment.

Submission details

Abstract length: 300–500 words
Submission deadline: 29 January 2027
Speaker feedback: 7 December 2026 – 5 February 2027

Visit the Enlit Africa website to submit your speaker abstract: https://apo-opa.co/4d2TTq2

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

 




 

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CEM Africa Awards 2026 set to recognise Africa’s leading Customer Experience (CX) talent and innovation

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2 days ago

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September 25, 2026

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CEM Africa Awards

The 2025 awards attracted more than 80 entries and 31 finalists, culminating in eight award winners

The calibre of organisations and individuals recognised through the CEM Africa Awards demonstrates just how much extraordinary CX work is being done across the continent

 




 
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 25, 2026/APO Group/ –Customer experience professionals, teams and organisations across Africa have just days remaining to enter the 2026 CEM Africa Awards, with free applications closing on 30 September 2026.

 

Taking place on 10 November 2026 at the NH Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, the Customer Experience Africa Awards form part of the CEM Africa platform and recognise the individuals, teams, technologies and initiatives raising the standard of customer experience across the continent.

For organisations considering whether to enter, the company they could be keeping provides a compelling indication of the calibre of the awards.

A growing roll call of African CX leaders

The 2025 awards attracted more than 80 entries and 31 finalists, culminating in eight award winners. Finalists represented organisations spanning financial services, technology, telecommunications, retail, insurance, public services and social impact.

Among them were Absa, Capitec Bank, Santam, Telesure Investment Holdings, Equity Bank, Takealot.com, NTT DATA, Frogfoot, Telviva, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, the University of Pretoria and South Africa’s Department of Social Development.

The 2025 winners included Serisha Iyer of Absa Corporate and Investment Banking, named Rising Star in CX; Alma Angela Olela of Jubilee Health Insurance, named CX Leader of the Year; and Franco Cotumaccio of Shadow Global, winner of Breaking Barriers in CX.

Corporate winners included Telesure Investment Holdings for Best Overall CX Solution, Krisp for Best Use of AI, Telviva for Best Enterprise Contact Centre Platform, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator for Best Customer Experience Team of the Year and the University of Pretoria for Best Citizen Experience Initiative.

That follows a 2024 edition in which winners included NCBA Bank, MultiChoice, Digital Solutions Group, Absa Bank and Telviva, alongside individual CX leaders from across the continent.

More than a trophy

For entrants, recognition through the CEM Africa Awards puts their work in front of a wider African CX community and an independent judging panel drawn from across the industry.

The 2026 judging panel includes global CX specialist Ian Golding; Andrew (Dré) Enebeli, Head of CX & Engagement at Access Bank; Dr Oliver Museka, President and Founder of IRDM College Eswatini; Jonathan Daniels, Managing Director of CX Centric; Joven Pillay, Partner and Head of Customer Consulting at KPMG; and Qaalfa Dibeehi, Managing Partner at Human2Outcome.

This year’s awards recognise excellence across four broad pillars – People, Innovation, Transformation and Government – covering categories including CX Leader of the Year, Rising Star in CX, Breaking Barriers in CX, Best Overall CX Solution, Best Use of AI, Best Enterprise Contact Centre Platform, Best Customer Experience Team of the Year, Best Digital Transformation in Public Services and Best Citizen Experience Initiative.

“The calibre of organisations and individuals recognised through the CEM Africa Awards demonstrates just how much extraordinary CX work is being done across the continent. These awards give that work a platform. Whether it is a major transformation programme, an innovative use of technology or an individual changing how their organisation thinks about the customer, we want to make sure Africa’s best work is being seen and recognised.”

  • Briteny Price, Event Manager and CEM Africa Awards Director

Final opportunity to enter

Applications for the 2026 CEM Africa Awards are free and remain open until 30 September 2026. Finalists will be announced in October, ahead of the awards ceremony on 10 November at the NH Hotel, Sandton.

Organisations, teams and individuals working to improve customer and citizen experience across Africa are encouraged to submit their entries before the deadline.

Apply for the CEM Africa Awards 2026 by 30 September 2026

Submit your application (https://apo-opa.co/4hdcimx)

Explore the CEM Africa Awards

Visit the CEM Africa Awards website (https://apo-opa.co/4iNXzzM)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

 




  

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Emirates to bring the A350 to Nairobi, introducing next-generation cabin experiences

Published

3 days ago

on

September 25, 2026

By

Emirates

The introduction of the A350 also marks the first time Emirates’ highly acclaimed Premium Economy cabin will be available to customers flying to and from Kenya, complementing the airline’s enhanced Business and Economy offerings

NAIROBI, Kenya, September 25, 2026/APO Group/ —

  • From 25 October, Nairobi becomes the 32nd destination to be served by the Emirates A350
  • Latest-generation aircraft introduces Emirates’ acclaimed Premium Economy cabin to Kenya for the first time, along with enhanced Business and Economy Class cabins
  • Deployment reinforces Emirates’ continued investment in Kenya and commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience across its Africa network

 




  

Emirates (www.Emirates.com), the world’s largest international airline, will soon serve Nairobi with its newest aircraft type, the Airbus A350 (https://apo-opa.co/47hy1nv). From 25 October 2026, the A350 will operate on EK717 and EK718, bringing Emirates’ latest-generation cabin experience to customers travelling between Dubai and Nairobi. The Emirates A350 is defined by spacious, bright cabins, enhanced technology, connectivity, and the airline’s signature hospitality across all three cabins.

 

The introduction of the A350 also marks the first time Emirates’ highly acclaimed Premium Economy cabin will be available to customers flying to and from Kenya, complementing the airline’s enhanced Business and Economy offerings.

 

Christophe Leloup, Emirates Country Manager in Kenya said, “The arrival of the A350 in Nairobi marks an exciting new chapter for Emirates in Kenya. We’re delighted to bring our latest aircraft and onboard experience to our customers in market, with more comfort, choice and thoughtful touches in every cabin. Combined with our growing flight schedule, the A350 gives customers travelling on the Dubai-Nairobi route something new to discover, while building on the experience they know and love from Emirates.”

 

 

What passengers can expect from the A350

The newest aircraft type to join Emirates’ all widebody fleet, the A350 accommodates 298 passengers in three spacious cabins – Business, Premium Economy and Economy. The bright and airy cabins have been thoughtfully designed to provide more space and comfort in every cabin, whilst cutting-edge technology and enhanced entertainment options elevate every journey.

 

Making its debut in Kenya, Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin offers elevated comfort, comparable to a Business Class experience on many airlines. The cabin is spacious with leather reclining seats that feature a generous pitch, adjustable headrests and more legroom. Customers can enjoy in-seat charging points, a wood-finished side cocktail table, a 13.3-inch TV screen, a generously sized pillow and blanket, complimentary amenity kits on select flights – including the Dubai-Nairobi route – and a globally exclusive sparkling wine, Chandon Vintage Brut 2017.

We’re delighted to bring our latest aircraft and onboard experience to our customers in market, with more comfort, choice and thoughtful touches in every cabin

 

Business Class is configured in a 1-2-1 layout ensuring every passenger has direct aisle access and a spacious, private environment for both work and relaxation. The fully lie-flat seat is wrapped in soft cream leather and features a personal minibar and wireless charging for comfort and convenience. At the back of the cabin is a snack display area allowing passengers to help themselves to refreshments throughout the flight.

 

Economy Class features an all new, airy colour palette of sky blue, bronze and cream, complemented by lighter-toned wood finishings. Each seat features the airline’s upgraded ice inflight entertainment system on a 13.3inch 4K adjustable touchscreen, while generous seat pitch and leather headrests provide support, comfort and extra legroom.

 

 

Continuing to raise the bar in Kenya

The deployment of the A350 follows a series of enhancements to the Emirates customer proposition in Kenya, including the introduction of the third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi in July. With 21 flights per week, customers have greater flexibility and connections between Kenya and key markets across Europe and the US, via Dubai.

 

Nairobi is also home to Africa’s first Emirates World (https://apo-opa.co/4yeI34C) store, which opened in 2024, offering customers a more immersive way to discover Emirates’ products, while offering more convenience and personalised service.

 

Earlier this year, Emirates introduced further flexibility for customers in Kenya through a partnership with Cellulant, launching a split-payment solution (https://apo-opa.co/4xLYG6R) that allows travellers to combine multiple payment methods across 24-hour instalments when purchasing airfares.

Tickets can be booked now on Emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via both online and offline travel agents as well as Emirates World Store (https://apo-opa.co/46Kglkc) in Nairobi. Emirates continues to offer flexible booking policies for added peace of mind while travelling. Every ticket booked after 10th August 2026 comes with free unlimited dates changes to Dubai and one complimentary date change to anywhere else in the world, in addition to significantly reduced refund fees across all cabins and fare types, allowing passengers to adjust their travel plans with minimal penalties.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

 




 

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