The Mills, Hong Kong
| Industry | Textile manufacturing, Cultural center, Retail |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Nan Fung Cotton Mills |
| Founded | 1954 |
| Founder | Chen Din Hwa |
| Headquarters | Tsuen Wan , Hong Kong |
Area served | Hong Kong |
Key people | Chen Din Hwa (founder) |
| Products | Cotton yarn, Textile arts and culture center, Retail shops, Office spaces, Leisure facilities |
| Parent | Nan Fung Group |
| Website | www |
The Mills (), previously known as Nan Fung Cotton Mills, is situated at No. 45 Pak Tin Par Street in Chai Wan Kok, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong. Established in 1954 by Chen Din Hwa, who earned the title "King of Cotton Yarn" and founded the Nan Fung Group, the facility spanned 24,500 square meters, making it the largest textile manufacturing plant in Hong Kong during that era. After serving as a filming location for a fire scene in the 1997 movie Lifeline, Units 1 through 3 were dismantled and redeveloped into the residential complex known as Summit Terrace. Operations in Units 4 to 6 ceased in 2008, after which these sections were converted into storage facilities.
In 2014, Nan Fung Group embarked on a revitalization initiative valued at HK$700 million, culminating on December 6, 2018. This redevelopment transformed the site into a multifunctional destination encompassing office spaces, a center dedicated to textile arts and culture, retail areas, and leisure zones.
History
Nan Fung Cotton Mills was founded in 1954 by Chen Din Hwa within Tsuen Wan's industrial district. Production commenced two years later with an initial output of 400 cotton yarn bales per month. The company experienced rapid expansion, leading to workforce shortages and labor disputes concerning shift arrangements by 1959.
Throughout the 1960s, Nan Fung broadened its footprint by purchasing neighboring land and erecting six factory units; specifically, Units 6, 4, and 5 were completed in 1961, 1962, and 1970 respectively. At the height of Hong Kong's manufacturing surge, the mill's annual cotton yarn production reached 30 million pounds, placing it among the leading local manufacturers. Despite a decline in industry momentum by 1971, Nan Fung increased its spindle capacity by more than 12,000 and incorporated additional looms into its weaving operations.
The industrial landscape shifted during the 1980s due to escalating labor expenses in Hong Kong alongside industrial growth in Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and Mainland China. As a result, manufacturing's contribution to Hong Kong’s GDP fell below 20% by 1989. Units 1 to 3 were vacated during the 1990s after production relocated; following their use in the filming of Lifeline in 1997, these units were demolished for residential development. Spinning activities in Units 4 to 6 concluded in 2008, with these buildings subsequently repurposed as warehouses.
Revitalization
In 2014, Nan Fung Group allocated HK$700 million to rejuvenate Nan Fung Cotton Mills by converting Units 4, 5, and 6—covering a combined area of approximately 264,000 square feet (24,500 square meters)—into an integrated architectural complex. The project reached completion on December 6, 2018.
The restoration preserved significant original elements such as walls marked by green oil stains and iron-framed windows produced using traditional craftsmanship and materials. Structural strengthening was undertaken alongside the installation of glass curtain walls. Restoration efforts included recreating obsolete features like the "Nan Fung Cotton Mills" signage on the exterior. Notable iron gates displaying the "Golden Cup" textile emblem and those at Unit 5 were maintained, as well as staircases within Unit 4. The atrium of Unit 6 features extensive use of glass and skylights designed to enhance natural illumination.
Facilities
Following the revitalization completed in 2018, the trio of Nan Fung Cotton Mills buildings was consolidated into one complex comprising "Nan Fung Studios," "Unit 6 CHAT," and "Nan Fung Store".
Nan Fung Studios
Situated on the fourth floor, Nan Fung Studios encompasses a 15,000-square-foot area established in late 2018 to foster collaboration among entrepreneurs and strategic collaborators. Within this space operates the Nan Fung Studios Lab, managed by the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, which specializes in prototype development. The atrium is designed as a versatile area for hosting meetings, seminars, and various events.
CHAT Unit 6
Located on the second floor, the Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile (CHAT) stands as Hong Kong’s inaugural center dedicated to textile culture and art. It presents exhibitions and programs that celebrate the innovative heritage of Hong Kong’s textile sector. CHAT welcomed visitors starting July 2018 and held its formal opening in March 2019.
Nan Fung Store
Nan Fung Store serves as the retail division of Nan Fung Cotton Mills, covering approximately 126,000 square feet and housing around 60 shops since its launch in late 2018. The tenant mix combines traditional and contemporary elements connected to the legacy of Nan Fung Cotton Mills. Lease durations vary between one and three years, with rental rates differing by business category.
By April 2019, the store featured tenants including furniture outlets, fashion retailers, lifestyle boutiques, Thai massage centers, traditional dessert vendors, vegetarian eateries, and local Hong Kong brands focused on design excellence and product craftsmanship. In May 2019, a nature-inspired family park named The Big Things opened on the second floor, occupying 7,000 square feet and incorporating a restaurant alongside a culinary classroom.
The Annex at The Mills
Positioned on Level M of Nan Fung Cotton Mills, The Annex at The Mills offers 3,348 square feet of adaptable space ideal for hosting meetings, seminars, lectures, and training sessions. One room is equipped with movable soundproof partitions that allow division into up to three separate areas.
Outdoor spaces
The rooftops of Units 6 and 4 have been transformed into "Cotton Mill Park" and "Cotton Mill Farmland," respectively. Additionally, the alleyway between Units 6 and 5 has been expanded into a public area known as "Pak Tin Par." Cotton Mill Park atop Unit 6 provides panoramic views of Nan Fung Cotton Mills and features the prominent art installation "Traces of Weaving" by Lam Tung Pang and COLLECTIVE, which narrates the story of fabric.
On Unit 4’s rooftop, Cotton Mill Farmland offers plots available for agricultural rentals. Pak Tin Par displays murals created by six local artists that depict both the history and future vision of Nan Fung Cotton Mills. At the entrance to this alley stands "Nameles Heroes," a large-scale portrait by Portuguese artist Alexandre Farto (Vhils), paying tribute to Hong Kong’s textile workers and their enduring legacy.
Interior decorations
Following its revitalization, Nan Fung Cotton Mills embraced a design concept blending cultural creativity with historical and industrial elements, establishing itself as a cultural hub and a new landmark within the Tsuen Wan district. Esteemed engraver Wu Ding Keung was commissioned to produce engraving templates for the factory’s signage. Bright red "Tai Ping Buckets," once utilized for firefighting efforts, along with reclaimed wooden door panels from the factory premises, have been repurposed as interior decorative features. These components emphasize the factory’s textile heritage while preserving historical artifacts. The white checkered brick wall outside the restroom has become a favored spot for photography enthusiasts.
Controversy
On May 6, 2020, then Chief Executive of Hong Kong Carrie Lam shared a photograph suggesting a visit to a mask manufacturing site identified as Nan Fung Cotton Mills. A journalist from HK01 discovered a workspace on the fourth floor functioning as a production area for copper-core anti-epidemic masks. The reporter was removed by employees and security personnel, who subsequently sealed the room using plywood panels.
Subsequently, Ming Pao examined the 2018 revitalization agreement, which designated Units 4 and 5 for purposes such as research institutes, design and development centers, training facilities, recreational and sports activities, cultural events, retail shops, and dining establishments—explicitly excluding industrial manufacturing. The lease clearly forbade these units from being utilized for production activities. Tse Tin Leung, a lawyer specializing in land and construction, indicated that while limited sample production might be allowable, large-scale manufacturing could contravene the lease terms. This situation prompted concerns regarding possible violations of lease conditions and revitalization requirements.
Transportation
Nan Fung Cotton Mills provides a complimentary shuttle service using red minibuses connecting the premises with MTR Tsuen Wan Station, which commenced operations on December 1, 2019. The shuttle departs every 20 minutes, with boarding locations situated opposite the Tsuen Wan Government Office near Exit A4 of Tsuen Wan Station and within the parking area of Nan Fung Cotton Mills. These minibuses are adorned with the Nan Fung Cotton Mills branding and display signage promoting the site’s amenities.
Situated in Pak Tin Par Street’s industrial district, Nan Fung Cotton Mills can be reached via a pedestrian bridge from Exit A3 of Tsuen Wan Station or by walking along Tai Chung Road from Exit A2 of Tsuen Wan West Station. Multiple bus and minibus routes serve stops along Castle Peak Road - Tsuen Wan, including Tsuen King Circuit Footbridge Bus Stop, which lies within walking distance of the facility.
Awards
After its revitalization project, Nan Fung Cotton Mills received numerous honors:
- Hong Kong Institute of Planners Annual Award in 2015.
- LEED Gold Certification recognizing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
- Sustainable Building Award granted by the Construction Industry Council.
- Bronze Award for Best Renovated Building at the MIPIM Asia Awards 2018.
See also
Notes
External links
- Official website - The Mills (in Chinese).
- 香港旅遊發展局網站對南豐紗廠的介紹 (in Chinese).
- 南豐紗廠免費穿梭巴士服務時間表 (in Chinese).
- 【復活節活動2019】荃灣南豐紗廠新店！交通+打卡位！, Weekend Weekly (in Chinese).
