Hysan Place, Hong Kong
Woods Bagot is proud to announce that Hysan Place Urban Park has been named Retail Renovation of the Year (Best in Show) in the prestigious 2026 VMSD Retail Renovation Competition, following the team’s successful transformation of a Hong Kong shopping center’s underutilized sky garden into an energetic urban skatepark that wins top honors for experiential retail design.
Located in the heart of Causeway Bay, the project reimagined levels 4 through 6 of the Hysan Place mall, converting a once-underutilized semi-outdoor sky garden into a vibrant, multi-level destination centered around a custom skatepark. Guided by an “Urban Attitude” concept inspired by hip-hop culture, street art, and youth identity, the design breaks traditional retail molds to appeal directly to Gen Z and the broader community.
The renovation features a striking central atrium that visually connects floors and frames the action of the skatepark, making it visible even from street level to draw in passersby. Raw, durable materials like concrete, brick, and exposed metal are paired with a dynamic ceiling mural by local artist Jane Lee and flexible lighting systems engineered to adapt for community events, live performances, and local music showcases.
Safety and playability were central to the execution, with specialist consultation provided by the All Hong Kong Skateboards Association to refine the park’s scale and materials.
As noted by VMSD Managing Editor Olivia Taylor in highlighting the project’s innovative approach:
“One of the primary goals was to appeal to Gen Z by fostering a sense of identity beyond traditional retail spaces through a place for connection. The overall design was guided by the ‘Urban Attitude’ concept inspired by hip-hop culture, urban aesthetics and community art.”
Reflecting on the vision behind the award-winning design, Billy Ip, Global Sector Leader – Retail at Woods Bagot, shared:
“We didn’t just design a skatepark; we designed a platform for culture to unfold. The events are the heartbeat that keeps the space evolving and connected to the community.”
Ip further emphasized the changing paradigm of physical retail:
“Consumers today seek experiences, connections, and community over pure transactions. Malls are evolving into civic and social hubs.”
Congratulations to the project team, client, and all collaborators who helped bring this cultural landscape to life, proving that the sky is truly the limit for the future of retail design.
Media enquiries Shirley Hao Content and Communications Leader (China)
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