WATCH THIS REPORT as a two-minute video, below, or scroll down to read it in print.
TOP DEVELOPERS IN HONG KONG are embarking on an extraordinary low-rise experiment in the world’s tallest city – and keeping an ancient promise made by the British colonial governor to his businessman friends half a century ago.
Hong Kong billionaire brothers Peter and Martin Lee of Henderson Land are building a spectacular high-tech low level complex in the central district of Hong Kong island.
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They are honoring a promise made way back in 1971 by the British colonial government to the Jardines group. They promised that no one would block the sea-view of the upper floors of Jardine House.
The top of that building, of course, houses the offices of the men known successively as the Taipan.
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It’s nice to see modern Hong Kong and old Hong Kong co-operating in a friendly way and remembering history.
The new complex will include lawn areas at ground level plus tree-lined rooftop parks. It will be made up of three elements forming a bridge for people to stroll around.
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The Lees have promised to include and celebrate the old Star Ferry clock tower to preserve a bit of history.
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The amount of cash they paid, more than HK$50 billion (about US$6 billion) is a huge vote of confidence in the city.
All artists’ impressions copyright Henderson Land