Hong Kong's Peak Tower to Undergo Multi-Million Dollar Renovation

The Peak Tower, one of Hong Kong’s leading icons which draws nearly 5 million visitors a year, is to undergo a substantial revitalisation next year.

The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH), which owns the attraction, plans to spend over HK$100m on a total makeover to create an exciting and dynamic “festival market” style shopping, dining and entertainment centre. 

The Peak Tower revitalisation programme is scheduled to begin at the end of February 2005 and be completed in early 2006. The Peak Tram however, will continue to operate as normal throughout the renovation period.

Commenting on the project, HSH chief executive officer, Clement Kwok, said, "With the growth in Hong Kong's visitor numbers, we have seen, and expect to see, a continued growth in The Peak Tower's business. We are confident that by investing substantial funds in The Peak Tower, it will maintain its position as a great destination and be able to meet the future needs and expectations of our visitors."

Highlights of the newly re-fashioned Peak Tower will include lower level shopping areas designed to incorporate elements, with a contemporary twist, of traditional Hong Kong street scenes such as Temple Street and Ladder Street, whilst special effects lighting will create a dramatic, modern style for the upper retail levels.

There will be a much wider choice of restaurants, which will include an upscale two-level Chinese restaurant, an internationally famous Western-style restaurant, and al fresco themed restaurants – all offering spectacular views.

The redesign will move the principal viewing gallery from its current level 5 platform to the roof of the tower, giving visitors a magnificent 360 degree panoramic vista of Hong Kong.

“The goal of this revitalisation exercise is to create an attractive ‘festival market’ concept that will attract increasing numbers of visitors from all walks of life, as well as provide residents with appealing new entertainment and dining options,” said Martyn Sawyer, HSH’s group general manager, properties and clubs.

Peak Tower tenants Madame Tussauds, the world-famous wax portraits museum, and Pacific Coffee will both remain open until the end of July, 2005.