Grand Century Place
| Company type | Mixed-use development |
|---|---|
| Industry | Real estate, Retail, Hospitality |
| Headquarters | Mong Kok, Hong Kong |
| Products | Shopping centre (MOKO), office towers, Royal Plaza Hotel |
Grand Century Place is a mixed-use development that includes the MOKO shopping centre, a pair of office towers, and the Royal Plaza Hotel. Situated in eastern Mong Kok, Hong Kong, it offers direct access to Mong Kok East MTR station. The complex has experienced several upgrades, with the most recent involving a redesigned entrance, introduction of new retail tenants, and a refreshed brand identity.
Shopping Mall
The MOKO mall extends across seven levels (covering the MTR concourse plus Levels 1 through 6) and features more than 200 retail outlets. Its prime location next to Mong Kok East station provides convenient entry for both visitors and businesses. A connecting passage on the MTR level links the mall to the five-star Royal Plaza Hotel and its "La Scala" dining venue, ensuring an integrated shopping and hospitality experience.
Design
Grand Century Place was initially created with an opulent European palace motif, showcasing Roman-style columns, decorative ceiling frescoes, and golden yellow granite surfaces. The central element was a circular atrium measuring 30 meters in diameter, outfitted with large digital screens and a computerized musical fountain that represented a $3 million investment. Despite its grandeur, this design led to difficulties in wayfinding, which prompted a 2002 renovation that divided the mall into four distinct sections (A, B, C, D). A comprehensive refurbishment took place between 2011 and 2015 to further improve the retail atmosphere.
Renovation
During renovations in 2013, the shopping centre was rebranded by designating the first floor as the MTR Floor and adjusting the numbering of upper levels to include floor 4, which had previously been omitted. The major tenant McDonald's closed its outlet as part of these changes. In 2014, the mall adopted the name MOKO while maintaining its original Chinese title. Numerous retailers were replaced with fresh brands; by 2016, duplex stores for Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein Jeans and Underwear occupied Levels 1 and 2. Level 3 introduced Food Opera, a new food court concept alongside a YATA Supermarket. Uniqlo emerged as one of MOKO’s largest tenants and ranked as the biggest in Kowloon. An Outback Steakhouse, well-liked in Hong Kong, opened on Level 6 (previously Level 8).
The exterior facade was updated with modern glass cladding, while the main entrance received a sleek grey makeover prominently displaying MOKO branding. The architectural firm Aedas completed this transformation.