The Wharf Real Estate Investment Company Limited (WREIC) and The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel (“The Murray”) today held a plaque unveiling ceremony to commemorate the completion of the preservation of The Murray, converted from the previously known Murray Building, as a celebration for the 20th anniversary of the HKSAR.
As one of the eight historic landmarks under the Conserving Central initiative introduced by the HKSAR government in 2013, this signature piece of architecture with nearly 50 years of history comes to life again as The Murray, a luxury hotel overseeing the city’s Central Business District and serene green surroundings.
The ceremony was officiated by guest-of-honour, Mrs. Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the HKSAR along with Mr. Peter Woo, Chairman of Wheelock Holdings Pte Limited.
Mr. Ron Phillips, Murray Building’s original architect and the Foster + Partners team, design consultant of the project, attended the event with some 200 guests to witness the important moment.
Authoring the Foreword of the commemorative book to mark the completion of The Murray, Mrs. Carrie Lam said, “Having actually worked in this building twice in my public service career, I am thrilled to witness the impressive transformation of The Murray, once home to many government departments for half a century, to becoming a home away from home for guests from around the world.”
“We are grateful that we are given the opportunity to take on this project, a very unique project; we are inspired by the energy of this building, the façade, the arches and the timelessness of the architecture; we are humbled because we have the responsibility to undertake this very important project to create a dialogue between the old and the new,” said Mr. Peter Woo.
“Government allowed us 60 months to complete the project, we completed it in 45 months. We thank our project partners and various government departments for working closely and diligently together to make the completion of the project possible,” Peter Woo added.
Murray Building was acquired by Wharf through its listed subsidiary Harbour Centre Development Limited for HK$4.4 billion in November 2013. Located in the heart of Central, Hong Kong’s financial and business district, The Murray is one of the city’s most anticipated hotel openings this decade. Defined by its imposing three-storey arches and distinctive recessed windows, the building was designed by Mr. Ron Phillips in the 1960s and is recognised as a pioneering example of sustainable architecture. The tall white landmark structure won many awards for its ground-breaking and energy efficient design.
Committed to preserving this iconic landmark, Wharf engaged Foster + Partners to redesign, redevelop and launch this hotel for the people of Hong Kong. By breathing a new life into the modern Hong Kong property, Wharf has created a unique hotel and leisure destination for local and international guests to enjoy.
As the flagship property of Niccolo Hotels, which owns and operates an exclusive collection of luxury hotels, The Murray has received its hotel license in late November, and will open within three months thereafter in line with normal practice.