Henderson Land unveils temporary harbourfront walkway at Central Yards with 24-hour cooling and scenic views

Henderson Land Development Company Limited (Stock code: 12) is pleased to announce that the new temporary pedestrian passageway at Central Yards, the Group’s flagship development on the New Central Harbourfront, will officially open on 19 February (Thursday, the third day of Chinese New Year). The new temporary passageway will provide an upgraded and seamless walking connection between ifc mall and the Central Terminal Building. The existing footbridge will be permanently closed on the same day and will be dismantled later.

The new temporary pedestrian passageway at Central Yards connecting ifc mall and the Central Terminal Building

The new temporary pedestrian passageway at Central Yards connecting ifc mall and the Central Terminal Building

The new temporary pedestrian passageway at Central Yards connecting ifc mall and the Central Terminal Building

Located adjacent to the current temporary footbridge, the new temporary pedestrian passageway offers the public a comfortable walking environment, enhanced by a 24-hour air-conditioning system and artistic elements. The section near the Central Pier has a semi-open design, offering stunning views of the Central Harbourfront, Victoria Harbour and the surrounding natural environment.

The existing temporary footbridge will remain in operation until 18 February 2026

Following the opening of the shopping mall in the first phase of Central Yards, the temporary pedestrian passageway will be dismantled and transformed into a vibrant, multi-functional green harbourfront platform. At that time, the public will be able to walk conveniently and comfortably between the Central Harbourfront and ifc through the mall.

The passageway’s multiple windows bring in natural light

The pedestrian passageway features a semi-open design in the section near the Central Pier

The pedestrian passageway features a semi-open design in the section near the Central Pier

Central Yards is envisioned as a global harbourfront icon, inspired by the concept of “The Bridge”, connecting the core of Central, surrounding communities, City Hall, and the world-renowned Victoria Harbour. It will also feature a large-scale open green space for public enjoyment. The first phase of the project is scheduled to top out in the second quarter of this year and open in 2027, while the second phase is expected to be completed in 2032. Central Yards will further elevate Central as a vibrant, cutting-edge global district.

Directional signage along the passageway

Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drugs cases and seizes suspected drugs worth about $7.95 million

Hong Kong Customs detected two dangerous drugs cases in Tseung Kwan O and Hong Kong International Airport respectively yesterday (May 21) and today (May 22), and seized a total of about 21.8 kilograms of assorted drugs with a total estimated market value of about $7.95 million. Two men and one woman, aged between 38 and 49, were arrested.

In the first case, Customs officers intercepted a 48-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman in Tseung Kwan O during an anti-narcotics operation yesterday afternoon. About 3.8kg of suspected drugs, including ketamine, methamphetamine, etomidate capsules, psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA and a batch of suspected drug packaging paraphernalia were found in their residence in the same district. They were then arrested.

In the second case, a 38-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 18kg of suspected ketamine inside his check-in suitcase and 33 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarette inside his carry-on baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.

The arrested man and woman in the first case have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and one count of possession of apparatus fit and intended for the inhalation of a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (May 23), while an investigation is ongoing for the second case.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drugs cases and seizes suspected drugs worth about $7.95 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drugs cases and seizes suspected drugs worth about $7.95 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases