One of Central’s most familiar pockets of public space is set for a major revamp, but Central regulars will need to wait a few years to see the result.
Statue Square Gardens, specifically the section north of Chater Road, will be partially closed from early 2027 as works begin on a new pedestrian tunnel linking Central MTR Station with the New Central Harbourfront Site 3 development.
According to a Development Bureau paper submitted to the Central and Western District Council, the works are also being used as an opportunity to rethink how the garden connects with its surroundings and serves pedestrians in one of Hong Kong’s busiest business districts.
New Features at Statue Square Gardens
The revamped garden will centre on a new sunken plaza, designed to make the space more flexible for public use and possible events. Three sides of the plaza will feature stepped seating, integrated with layered greenery, including trees and shrubs to provide shade and help buffer traffic noise.
The existing square water feature will be retained, but redesigned with a new non-stepped layout to better connect visually with the nearby Cenotaph and waterfall.
Other planned upgrades include a new lift, public toilets, improved ground-level connections, a wider western entrance and better barrier-free access for visitors.
Construction To Begin in Early 2027
Construction of the new pedestrian tunnel is expected to begin in early 2027, with works taking around four years. During the first phase, about 2,000 square metres of Statue Square Gardens will be occupied for the tunnel project, followed by phased enhancement works covering that area and a further 600 square metres.
Temporary pedestrian routes will be provided, while the section near the Cenotaph is expected to remain open during construction. The upgraded garden is targeted to reopen by the end of 2031, before the new tunnel opens to the public by late 2032.
Image credits: Henderson