Hong Kong’s CBD2 Kowloon East — A Diversified, Vibrant and Distinctive Business Hub by the Harbourfront

Kowloon East (KE) Core Business District (CBD) features an innovative blueprint that combines advanced infrastructure and facilities for business, sports, culture, tourism, leisure, and entertainment, complemented by a comprehensive transportation network. This development offers a favourable business environment, creating immense opportunities for companies of all sizes to thrive, expand their operations, and engage with a diverse clientele.

1. Strategic Location with Seamless City-wide Connection

KE CBD comprises Kowloon Bay Business Area, Kwun Tong Business Area, San Po Kong Business Area and Kai Tak Development Area, with a total area of about 514 hectares. Strategically positioned along the stunning Victoria Harbourfront, it benefits from MTR lines and major roadways, including the Kwun Tong Line, the Tuen Ma Line, the upcoming Central Kowloon Line and the upcoming Trunk Road T2, which will enhance east-west connectivity. The infrastructure network significantly enhances KE’s access to the traditional CBD in Central and other major transportation hubs, establishing it as a premier second CBD of Hong Kong that complements the traditional business district. With its strategic location, KE is poised to become the preferred destination for Mainland and overseas companies seeking their Asia headquarters.

2. A Diversified Hub Offering a Wealth of Business Opportunities

A New Magnet for Multinational Enterprises and Financial Institutions

Over the past 12 years, the total commercial gross floor area (GFA) in KE has more than doubled to approximately 3.7 million m². With major planned developments, the commercial GFA is expected to exceed 4 million m², comparable to traditional CBD in Central.  With more younger Grade A office buildings in KE, premium office spaces have successfully attracted a growing number of leading multinational enterprises and financial institutions to the area. A survey on business establishments in KE 2023 shows that the portion of business establishments engaged in “Banking, Financial Services and Insurance” and “Real Estate and Professional and Business Services” in the district have increased noticeably, which is about 3.8 times of that as surveyed in 2011.

Home to Startups and SMEs: Fostering New Talent and Creating Business Opportunities

In addition, through the revitalisation of industrial buildings, KE offers a range of affordable, high-quality workspaces for startup and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from different sectors like FinTech, innovation and technology and creative industries. It also serves as Hong Kong’s pilot area for smart city technologies, fostering collaboration with universities and research institutes to explore and develop innovative solutions. Being located in a mix of new and traditional urban fabric, KE is an ideal testing ground for smart city initiatives that enhance quality of life and contribute to the development of Hong Kong.  

3. A One-stop Cultural, Sports, Tourism and Entertainment Hub

World-class infrastructure in KE creates a vibrant ecosystem and enhances the city’s competitiveness. The newly established Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), spanning 28 hectares, is the largest sports facility in Hong Kong. Featuring a 5000-seat Youth Sports Ground, a 10,000-seat Indoor Sports Centre and a 50,000-seat Main Stadium, together with other ancillary commercial and entertainment facilities, KTSP provides a one-stop destination for sports, leisure, entertainment and shopping. The East Kowloon Cultural Centre (EKCC), as an incubator for the development of arts and cultural industries, will bring new cultural experience to the community. With state-of-the-art facilities, KE is strategically positioned to host international sports and entertainment mega events. This capability will not only enhance the local economy, but also stimulate growth across various industries, including sports, tourism, entertainment, hospitality, retail, and catering.

4. Blue-Green Infrastructure for Resilience and Urban Multi-functionality

KE embraces green, low-carbon designs and resilient infrastructure to enhance sustainability. As of 2024, there are over 70 buildings with BEAM Plus Gold or above ratings, making it with the highest density of green buildings in Hong Kong. The extensive 120-hectare open space network, together with the 11-kilometre long waterfront promenade, provides ample recreational space for outdoor activities and community engagement, promoting a green and livable environment.

KE stands out as a premier investment destination in Asia, offering unparalleled business opportunities, modern infrastructure, and a dynamic environment that supports innovation and sustainable growth.

For details, please visit:
www.ekeo.gov.hk