FROM SUGAR REFINERY & DOCKYARDS TO RESIDENTIAL & BUSINESS HUB, Quarry Bay (鰂魚涌), Hong Kong

In 1974, the master plan to redevelop 96 acres of Swire’s land in Quarry Bay was approved by the Hong Kong government. The proposal included converting Taikoo Sugar Refinery into the city’s second business hub that is now known as Taikoo Place (太古坊), and transforming 53 acres of former Taikoo Dockyards into Taikoo Shing (太古城). Literally translated as “Swire’s City”, Taikoo Shing contains 61 residential towers (12,698 apartment flats) and one of the island’s largest shopping and commercial complex known as Cityplaza (太古城中心). The development of Taikoo Shing led the dramatic transformation of Swire from an industrial giant into a real estate developer and business conglomerate.

After inheriting the family trading business Swire Group from his father in 1847, British businessman John Samuel Swire took the company overseas to expand his cotton and sugar trade in China. In Shanghai, he established Taikoo Sugar Refinery and later the shipping business China Navigation Company, laying the foundation for the modern Swire Group (太古集團). In 1881, John Samuel Swire selected a site at Quarry Bay (鰂魚涌) in Hong Kong, below lush green Mount Parker (柏架山) to establish his sugar refinery factory. The factory expanded rapidly to become the world’s largest sugar refinery in 1925. After John Samuel Swire died, the company further developed the adjacent land into a massive dockyard that serviced, repaired, and built vessels for their shipping business China Navigation Company. Completed in 1907, Taikoo Dockyard (太古船塢) constructed some of the world’s largest ships in early 20th century, along with its Kowloon counterpart Whampoa Dockyard (黃埔船塢). With the sugar refinery and dockyards, Quarry Bay emerged as the largest industrial district in Hong Kong before WWII. After the sugar refinery ceased production and the dockyard moved to Tsing Yi Island in early 1970’s, Swire Group looked to reinvent itself for the contemporary era, and to transform Quarry Bay into a new residential and business hub. The 1974 master plan opened up a whole new world for Swire, diversify the company’s profile with real estate, retail services, and hospitality.

Four decades have passed since Taikoo Dockyard was turned into Taikoo Shing, and Taikoo Sugar Refinery into Taikoo Place. After work, we would sometimes walk from our office to Taikoo Shing for grocery. The 20-minute walk along Quarry Bay Promenade Pet Garden (鰂魚涌寵物公園) is one of the most pleasant harbourfront walks in Eastern Hong Kong Island. Constructed in late 2012, the pet garden offers a great venue for pet dogs and people to mingle, and lookouts to enjoy the spectacular view of Victoria Harbour and East Kowloon. As the waterfront walk reaches Taikoo Shing, the decommissioned Fireboat Alexander Grantham, Hong Kong’s flagship fireboat that served the city between 1953 to 2002, was on display at the promenade. Built in early 1950’s by Hong Kong & Whampoa Dock Co. Ltd., the fireboat is a splendid reminder of the city’s shipbuilding history, the once thriving industry at the Victoria Harbour when Hong Kong has yet become a financial and business hub.

Perhaps the most famous building in Quarry Bay is the “Monster Building”, a mixed use development built in 1960s that is known for its high density and photogenic qualities. The Monster Building was made famous as a filming spot for movies such as Transformers: Age of Extinction and Ghost in the Shell. [2022]

Around 10,000 residents currently live in the five connected blocks of the Monster Building, namely Fook Cheong Building, Montane Mansion, Oceanic Mansion, Yick Cheong Building and Yick Fat Building. [2022]

Taikoo Sugar Refinery in Quarry Bay at around 1897. [Image courtesy of National Archives, Kew, University of Bristol Library Historical Photographs of China reference number: NA20-43 (www.hpcbristol.net).]

Taikoo Sugar Refinery at around 1911-1912. [Photograph by Swire, G. Warren. Image courtesy of John Swire & Sons Ltd., University of Bristol Library Historical Photographs of China reference number: Sw07-120 (www.hpcbristol.net).]

In 1891, Swire installed a 2.3km aerial ropeway system to connect Taikoo Sugar Refinery to Taikoo Sanatorium on Sanatorium Gap to serve its staff and their families. [Photograph by Swire, G. Warren, 1911-1912. Image courtesy of John Swire & Sons Ltd., University of Bristol Library Historical Photographs of China reference number: Sw07-120 (www.hpcbristol.net).]

In 1970s, the former Taikoo Sugar Refinery was replaced by the office towers of Taikoo Place, while the apartment blocks of Taikoo Shing (left of the skyscrapers of Taikoo Place) took over the former Taikoo Dockyards. [2021]

The Quarry Bay Promenade Pet Garden offers magnificent views of Victoria Harbour, Kowloon Peak, and the skyline of East Kowloon. [2020]

Even without pets, Quarry Bay Promenade Pet Garden is worth the trip for the harbour views. [2020]

Dog lovers have much bigger reasons to come check out the Quarry Bay Promenade Pet Garden. [2021]

In the evening, Quarry Bay Promenade is popular with runners all year rounds. [2021]

Further east, the skyline of Kowloon extends to Yau Tong (油塘) near Lei Yue Mun (鯉魚門), the eastern gateway of Victoria Harbour. [2021]

Decorations for the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong Handover at Quarry Bay Promenade. [2017]

The slanted parapet and metal railing welcome users to sit and relax in front of Victoria Harbour. [2017]

Compared to other waterfront promenade on Hong Kong Island, Quarry Bay Promenade is much more catered for the local community. [2020]

Raised lookouts also double as sunshade for promenade users. [2020]

A circular ramp from Quarry Bay Promenade lead walkers up to a bridge that spans over Island Eastern Corridor expressway towards Taikoo Shing. [2020]

Fireboat Alexander Grantham on display at Quarry Bay Promenade, where Taikoo Dockyard used to be situated. [2021]

Launch of SS Tencho Marua at Taikoo Dockyard in 1911. [Photograph by Swire, G. Warren. Image courtesy of John Swire & Sons Ltd., University of Bristol Library Historical Photographs of China reference number: Sw07-151 (www.hpcbristol.net).]

Taikoo Dockyard at around 1911-1912, with Victoria Harbour and Kowloon Peak beyond. [Photograph by Swire, G. Warren. Image courtesy of John Swire & Sons Ltd., University of Bristol Library Historical Photographs of China reference number: Sw07-134 (www.hpcbristol.net).]

Taikoo Dockyard at around 1919-1920. [Photograph by Swire, G. Warren. Image courtesy of John Swire & Sons Ltd., University of Bristol Library Historical Photographs of China reference number: Sw04-036 (www.hpcbristol.net).]

Approaching Taikoo Shing on Hoi Yu Street. [2021]

Despite its 40+ years age, property prices at Taikoo Shing is still going strong. [2020]

Walking within Taikoo Shing feels like walking in a city within a city. [2020]

Built in early 1980s, Cityplaza (太古城中心) at Taikoo Shing was one of the largest shopping malls in Hong Kong. [2021]

The skating rink is probably the most well known feature in Cityplaza. [2021]