Cityplaza
| Industry | Retail, Commercial real estate |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1982 |
| Founder | Swire Properties |
| Headquarters | Quarry Bay, Hong Kong , Hong Kong |
Area served | Hong Kong Island, Eastern District |
| Products | Shopping mall, Office towers |
| Owner | Swire Properties (original developer) |
Cityplaza (), situated in Taikoo Shing, Quarry Bay, within Hong Kong's Eastern District, ranks among the largest shopping complexes on Hong Kong Island and is directly accessible via Tai Koo MTR Station. Conceived by Wong Tung & Partners, the mall features a broad array of retailers such as APITA, Marks & Spencer, MUJI, eslite spectrum, DECATHLON, IKEA, LOG-ON, UNIQLO, and GU. Together with Taikoo Shing, Cityplaza significantly contributes to the commercial vitality of the Eastern District.
Comprising four distinct phases that integrate retail spaces and office facilities, Cityplaza's initial phase debuted in 1982 and underwent redevelopment from 1994 to 1997. Phase 2 was introduced in 1987, while Phases 3 and 4 consist of office towers with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, completed between 1992 and 1993 and subsequently sold. These projects exemplify Swire Properties’ focused approach to developing mixed-use properties in key urban areas of Hong Kong.
Phase I
Completed in 1982, Cityplaza initially lacked a direct MTR connection; to address this, complimentary shuttle buses operated between the mall and the MTR Island Line starting in 1984 until Tai Koo Station commenced service in 1985, which greatly enhanced visitor accessibility.
Following the completion of Phase 2 in 1987, Swire Properties undertook a refurbishment of Phase 1 to create a cohesive architectural style. Renovations included substituting the wooden exterior atrium with white stainless steel panels, incorporating neon lighting elements, upgrading railings to stainless steel materials, and installing updated signage and flooring finishes. The ice rink, once featured in the movie Aces Go Places IV, was removed during this period.
In October 1993, Swire announced a redevelopment plan involving demolition of the six-story Phase 1 mall along with the Gala I/II cinemas and bowling alley to construct six retail levels totaling approximately 250,000 square feet plus a 27-story office tower encompassing about 630,000 square feet. Despite concerns from local residents about construction disruption and increased pedestrian flow, demolition commenced in April 1994, with the eastern section reopening by 1997.
Tenant re-leasing and renovation efforts for Phase 1 began in December 2013, featuring new suspended ceilings and updated exterior walls on the second floor. The third-floor food court underwent refurbishment by December 2016.
In late 2016, UA Cinemas ceased operations after nearly two decades; it was succeeded by MOViE MOViE under Broadway Circuit in 2017. This cinema complex includes six large-format auditoriums such as "MOViEMAXX" and VIP "MM Moments" screens. Additionally, ABCCooking Studio launched its largest cooking classroom in Hong Kong within Cityplaza.
Phase II
Phase II opened its doors in 1987. The southwest atrium on the second floor once housed Hong Kong’s inaugural indoor shopping mall roller coaster named The Wonderful World of Whimsy, which was removed prior to the venue’s closure in the early 1990s. The central atrium displayed prominent neon billboards until their removal during renovations in 1998; beneath them stood a dolphin fountain that was dismantled in 2008.
The original fast food court near the ice rink featured outlets such as Pui Sing Kitchen, Sai Fei Lei Sausage Shop, Oliver Super Sandwiches, and Burger King; subsequent additions included Fairwood and Mario. Although Mario underwent ownership changes in 1997, its Cityplaza branch remained operated by Fairwood until the fast food court ceased operations in 2001.
For several months following the opening of a new food court area, both old and new courts operated concurrently. During this time, two KFC outlets were present simultaneously. Only Pui Sing Kitchen, Oliver's Super Sandwiches, and KFC relocated to the new dining space.
In January 2014, OPENUU spearheaded partial renovations on the second floor. After Lunar New Year tenant reshuffling, APITA’s first level transformed into Marks & Spencer while the second level was revamped to include LOG-ON stores alongside a children’s apparel shop; APITA’s supermarket section remained intact. By December 2016, the former Maxim’s Palace location was converted into TREATS food court offering ten dining options plus a rotating pop-up retail space.
The "Ice Palace" ice rink closed temporarily for refurbishment at the start of 2020 and reopened by August featuring an updated white interior design complemented by a large LED display screen.
Phase I
Ground Floor
Situated on the southern hillside, the ground floor originally featured a bus terminal with an adjoining cargo area, accessible through entrances near what is now Taikoo MTR Station's D2 exit. It also included a parking facility reachable from Tai Fung Avenue and once showcased a virtual roller coaster close to the main entrance. Early prominent tenants comprised ParknShop, HSBC, a post office, a florist, a furniture retailer, and Fotomax. By 1987, this bus terminal space was converted into retail outlets. Present-day key stores include Charles & Keith, Go Wild (specializing in outdoor gear), Patagonia, eslite spectrum, and DECATHLON Hong Kong (opened in 2024). The former bus terminal area currently functions as a stop for harbour-crossing bus routes 110 and New World First Bus 720.
First Floor
Initially hosting Cityplaza’s sales office and a Standard Chartered Bank branch alongside parking spaces, the first floor underwent transformation in 1987 to accommodate retail shops such as Marks & Spencer, Cek Cyu Department Store, and Kam's Cafe. A significant expansion in 1998 established the floor's current dimensions. Today’s notable retailers include Marks & Spencer (which relocated in 2014 to Phase Two as Hong Kong’s largest flagship), Wing On Department Store (closed in 2015), Alice House (Italy), ECCO Shoes, STACCATO, le saunda, and PARADISO. Dining venues include Oliver's Super Sandwiches and The Spaghetti House.
Following Marks & Spencer’s departure in 2014, its former location was occupied by ZARA and later replaced in 2024 by UNIQLO, Samsung Experience Store, and VENCHI. The space vacated by Wing On along with adjacent ground-level areas were redeveloped into eslite spectrum in 2016, covering more than 49,000 square feet across two floors.
Second Floor
Prior to completion of Phase Two, this level housed an ice rink accompanied by snack kiosks. After renovations in 1987, the ice rink was relocated to Phase Two while Marks & Spencer joined alongside various shoe stores and boutiques. In 2009, H&M opened after moving out shu uemura cosmetics and bossini outlets. A sky bridge connecting to EAST Hong Kong was inaugurated in 2011; the jumping fountain was removed in 2013 to make room for agnès b.
A tenant reshuffle in 2014 introduced a Beauty Zone featuring sixteen international brands; this zone moved to Phase Two by 2017 and was replaced by fashion retailers. Current anchor tenants on this floor include COACH, lululemon, UNIQLO, and MUJI.
Third Floor
Originally occupied by Dodwell Stores (which Wing On acquired in the late 1980s), the western wing contained Tivoli Terrace restaurant until 1997. The eastern wing housed Peanut House toy store along with various dining options until redevelopment transformed it into "La Fiesta," a food court offering international cuisine starting from 1997. By 2005 this was replaced with a large food hall that operated until mid-2016. Since late 2016 new restaurants such as Passion by Gérard Dubois and Mango Tree Café have opened.
The western wing underwent redevelopment in 2000 introducing Toys "R" Us and a.y.k.; however, Toys "R" Us relocated in 2009 to make way for H&M’s arrival while a.y.k. also exited Cityplaza at that time. After H&M left in 2024, MUJI took over that space. Other retailers on this floor include Giordano.
Fourth Floor
In the late 1980s, the western wing accommodated House of Canton, Wing On Department Store, Tai Lin Radio Service, and City University’s registration center; IKEA once occupied part of the atrium edge before converting to KPS Video Express by decade’s end. The eastern wing featured Fourseas Bowling Centre and Chuck E. Cheese's.
Following redevelopment after 1997, Hong Kong’s largest KPS Video Express was established here (later taken over by Blockbuster then Mannings after Blockbuster closed). Other occupants included Fortress, Tom Lee Music, and several optical shops.
The western wing was rebuilt in 2000; LOG-ON was replaced by UNIQLO in 2006. Stores such as Broadway, Fortress, and Mannings remain operational; Japanese eyewear brand Zoff opened here in 2017. UNIQLO relocated to first and second floors by 2025 with GU taking over its original location.
Fifth Floor
During the 1980s the eastern wing featured a two-level McDonald's alongside Gala I/II cinemas and Wing On Department Store. After reconstruction in 1997 it housed House of Canton, Häagen-Dazs, Pacific Coffee, an office lobby area, and the "Zen Fountain" which was removed in 2018. The western wing became the entrance for UA Cityplaza cinema when it launched in June 2000 featuring luxury Director's Club theatres.
McDonald's reopened on this level in June 2016 at the former Ruby Tuesday site. UA Cinemas closed down in February 2017; it was succeeded by MOViE MOViE by Broadway Circuit cinema which opened in December 2017 offering six wide-screen auditoriums with VIP seating.
Sixth Floor
Originally containing a roller skating rink on the west side and Gala I/II cinemas plus McDonald's on the east side, this floor saw closure of its eastern section for renovation during the 1990s; McDonald's relocated away in December 1994. Post-1997 refurbishment designated the eastern wing as an office lobby while most of the floor was demolished during a further renovation in 1998 except for part of the western exterior.
In 2020 Swire Properties sold Cityplaza Phase I to a consortium including its own management fund along with Schroder Pamfleet; as a result, ownership of the sixth floor including 1111 King's Road transferred away from Swire.
Phase II
Inaugurated in 1987, the second phase of the mall encompasses four floors, consisting of three above-ground levels and one basement. The two lower basement floors are designated for parking and loading purposes. The "Cityplaza Ice Palace," recognized as Hong Kong Island's largest real snow ice rink, hosts various skating activities. It underwent refurbishment beginning in January 2020 and resumed operations in the summer of the same year.
B1
This basement level accommodates departments for electronics and household items, a food court, and the APITA supermarket.
Ground Floor
Dedicated primarily to sportswear and casual apparel, this floor features retailers such as adidas, Gigasports, O.N.S | kapok, New Balance, CALVIN KLEIN, Global Work (Collect Point), and the lifestyle brand niko and.... The APITA department store, LEGO, and POP MART also occupy this level. Scheduled to open in 2025 are dining establishments Tian Tian Authentic and NOC Coffee Co.
First Floor
Home to the refurbished ice rink that reopened during summer 2020, this floor includes shops like Marks & Spencer, Jumpin Gym U.S.A., Toys "R" Us, Stage of Playlord, Chow Sang Sang, City Chain, eGG, and Eu Yan Sang. Additional tenants include BRAND OFF (specializing in pre-owned luxury handbags), upscale salon 22 hair, and Watsons. After i.t ceased operations in early 2023, the vacated space on this floor along with part of the ground floor is planned for transformation into an IKEA plan and order center with an IKEA Bistro set to launch in August 2025.
Dining options on this level comprise MELLOW BROWN COFFEE by UCC, Café de Coral, Chun Shui Tang, Wang Jia Sha, and &btR.
Second Floor
This level showcases fashion brands such as COS, Club Monaco, Polo Ralph Lauren, MAX&Co., COCKTAIL, Optical 88, L'Occitane, THE BODY SHOP, Godiva chocolate boutique, and Watson’s Wine.
Following a tenant reshuffle in July 2014, the floor also features the LOG-ON concept store along with international lifestyle labels including Homeless, Francfranc, Chicco, SNIDEL, and Marimekko.
The dining selection offers diverse global cuisines with established restaurants like West Villa Restaurant, Peking Garden Restaurant, Chiu Bistro, and Sushi Taka. The expansive food hall "TREATS," operated by Maxim's Group since December 2016, underwent renovation at the end of 2022. It reopened in February 2023 as "Carnival by Food Fiesta" under Global Link management, highlighting Japanese brands alongside Southeast Asian culinary offerings.
This floor is linked by seven air-conditioned sky bridges connecting to Cityplaza Phases 1, 3, and 4 as well as Taikoo Shing Kam Din Terrace and Sing Fai Terrace. An escalator near LOG-ON provides access to the Horizon Gardens residential complex situated above.
Additional Information
The shopping complex includes prominent department stores such as APITA (formerly UNY) covering 180,000 square feet, Marks & Spencer, and eslite spectrum. Other notable retailers include Toys "R" Us and Muji alongside roughly 40 dining outlets and MOViE MOViE Cityplaza cinema. With over one million square feet of retail space housing up to 170 shops plus basement parking facilities, the mall’s lobby is distinguished by a striking 78-foot tall red arch—the largest indoor arch across Asia.
MOViE MOViE Cityplaza features six cinemas equipped with widescreen displays including "MOViEMAXX" and VIP "MM Moments," both utilizing 4K projection technology to deliver an enhanced viewing experience.
In March 2014, the developer introduced more than 30 new retail brands such as i.t, LOG-ON, GREYHOUND Café, Club Monaco, Francfranc, Marimekko, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and iBlues. The cosmetics and skincare section expanded significantly from approximately 5,000 to 12,000 square feet while fashion retail space increased to account for over a quarter of total tenancy.
Major Events
Cityplaza regularly organizes a wide range of activities, including film premieres, press briefings for concerts, automobile exhibitions, brand showcases, festive decorations for occasions like Christmas and Lunar New Year, as well as partnerships with well-known intellectual properties to boost visitor interaction.
From July 9 to August 29, 2021, the "LIVE HAPPY" initiative presented four substantial interactive art pieces aimed at encouraging happiness amidst hectic daily routines.
Between August 3 and September 1, 2024, Swire Properties collaborated with Liverpool Football Club to host "Welcome to Anfield – The LFC Experience," transforming the mall’s atrium into a replica of Anfield stadium. This event featured appearances by former Liverpool players and offered interactive football-themed activities alongside exclusive merchandise.
Facilities
Cityplaza offers complimentary Wi-Fi access for up to three hours and supports extensive 5G connectivity throughout the premises. The shopping complex manages two parking facilities: Cityplaza Carpark and Taikoo Shing Stage 10 Carpark.
Leisure and Recreation
The centre boasts Hong Kong Island’s sole ice skating rink, Ice Palace, recognized as the longest-established rink in the district. In 2020, the rink underwent a thorough refurbishment encompassing the skating area, supporting facilities, dining options, and the skate retail outlet.
The cinema complex, MOViE MOViE Cityplaza, which opened its doors in 2017, contains six large-screen auditoriums, including the premium “MOViEMAXX” and an exclusive VIP theatre named “MM Moments”.