World Trade Centre Hong Kong
| Company type | Commercial complex |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail, Office real estate |
| Founded | 1975 |
| Headquarters | Causeway Bay, Hong Kong , Hong Kong |
| Products | Retail outlets, Office space |
| Owner | Sun Hung Kai Properties |
The World Trade Centre is a combined retail and office development situated in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, featuring a connecting walkway to the adjacent The Excelsior.
Originally developed by Jardines through its real estate subsidiary, Hongkong Land, the property was eventually transferred to Sun Hung Kai Properties. The East Point location has been under Jardine ownership since Hong Kong's early colonial era, initially serving as the site for their warehouses and administrative offices.
History
Positioned at No. 280 Gloucester Road, the World Trade Centre was constructed in 1975. It first accommodated the nightclub Palace Theatre (), which was subsequently transformed into one of Hong Kong’s most upscale cinemas bearing the same name. The building also housed a well-known restaurant operated by Maxim's.
In 1990, World Trade Centre Group Ltd (formerly Bond Corporation International Ltd) purchased the property from Hongkong Land for HK$1.72 billion. Later, ownership shifted to Sun Hung Kai Properties, who redeveloped the complex by situating retail outlets on the lower levels and offices above.
On 15 December 2021, a fire incident at the World Trade Centre caused over 300 individuals to become stranded on the rooftop.
Shopping arcade renovation
In August 2006, Sun Hung Kai Properties revealed plans for a HK$200 million enhancement of the centre, expanding it from 6 to 15 floors. The upgrade included installing glass partitions between shops, introducing a large LED screen at the entrance, and revamping the entire structure. Operating hours were extended, and the centre was rebranded as WTC.
The initial phase of renovation commenced in October 2006, adding new retail areas, office spaces, and a sizable exhibition hall on the 13th floor. Food and beverage establishments launched in January 2008 included Hea Place (9/F), Ruby Tuesday, Kung Tak Lam Shanghai Vegetarian Cuisine (10/F), Shanghai Lu Yang Cun Restaurant (11/F), Dragon King Restaurant (12/F), Myung Ga Korean Restaurant, and Kiriyaki (13/F).
By February 2009, modifications allowed for multi-level retail stores; prominent tenants comprised agnès b. (1st-2nd floors), Muji and Uniqlo (4th-5th floors), alongside Seaview Restaurant and mYoga yoga center. However, most shops were vacated by 2019, prompting closure of levels P1-5 in December 2020 for another extensive refurbishment.
Palace Theatre Cinema
Originally a nightclub converted into a cinema, Palace Theatre Cinema opened on 14 November 1979 under Shaw Brothers Studio. Marketed as a premium movie theatre with 1,060 spacious seats and an elegant lobby, ticket prices began at 12 HKD—higher than average. It predominantly showcased Western films; its opening feature was Aliens.
Significantly, Somewhere in Time held a record run of 223 days in 1981. Between September 1981 and April 1982, Palace Jade earned HK$9.38 million at the box office, setting records for foreign film screenings. Exclusive showings included American Gigolo and A Clockwork Orange.
Transport
Access to the World Trade Centre is available through exit D1 at the MTR Causeway Bay station.