(23 September 2020, Hong Kong) Lead8, the international award-winning design firm, is delivering the architectural design for the future Changjiang Centre in Wuhan – a prime retail development within a 1.5 million sqm mixed-use waterfront destination along the Yangtze River near the city’s Central Business District.
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Located in an up-and-coming commercial area for the city, the large-scale destination will feature Wuhan’s tallest tower, currently under construction, once complete. The retail scheme by Lead8 will occupy 210,000 sqm of above-ground area across two of the masterplan’s nine plots; functioning as a key connective centre and social heart of the integrated waterside development.
“Changjiang Centre is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the future of Wuhan. The site is uniquely located in one of the most significant integrated developments currently under construction, driving new possibilities along the riverfront. Our architectural design is stitched into the urban fabric, connecting to public realms and neighbouring developments; an interconnected approach we hope to see across all of our built environments,” said Claude Touikan, Co Founder & Executive Director at Lead8.
The development’s two plots are connected over ground by way of a five-storey bridge. The space is envisioned as a ‘floating stage’, a platform for internal retail streets and unique tenancy opportunities. The fifth level features an open landscaped roof deck with views to the river. Further terraces line the roofscapes of the buildings on both plots.
The façade is defined by three large-scale boxes which will deliver the multi-floor anchor spaces for the major leisure, entertainment and retail tenants. A human-scale approach can be seen in the architecture at the lower levels to ensure integration with the surrounding urban development.
A landscaped public realm and sunken plaza runs the length of the two plots, offering a green oasis with multiple access points to the retail development and adjacent schemes. Strategically connected, Changjiang Centre will offer direct connectivity to a metro station, a Public Transport Interchange (PTI) and a high-rise office tower. A further metro station is conveniently situated within walking distance of the site.
As a major retail anchor for the burgeoning area, the development plans to offer more than 500 stores and experiences across lifestyle retail, children’s programming, food and beverage, beauty, sports, entertainment and fashion. The scheme is currently under construction with plans to open in 2023.
Project Details
Location: Wuhan, China
Developer: China Fortune Land Development
Size – Retail GFA: 210,000 sqm
Architectural Design – Retail: Lead8