Hong Kong’s historic judicial house reimagined through thoughtful storytelling
THE FORMER CENTRAL
MAGISTRACY
Once known as Hong Kong’s Supreme Court, in 1979, after over 100 years, The Central Magistracy was decommissioned and ceased its judiciary functions in 1984, thus ending its chapter in history. It lay dormant for the next 40-plus years, its hallway empty and standing in a silent reminder of the city’s past. Now, we are embracing the opportunity to transform the monument into a space whose foundation is a dedication to world-class storytelling and hospitality.
OUR STORY
We are honoured to be bringing The Magistracy back to life after it has laid dormant for over four decades. As custodians of culture, this is an opportunity to do work that pays homage to the story of this monument, connecting Hong Kong's present and future to its past. Opening in phases, this multi-storey project will be home for many different stories, all shaped by our team of hospitalitiers, turning part of the city’s history into a space for world class storytelling and hospitality.
Phase one of The Magistracy is home to the Dining Room, a space inspired by timeless London restaurants, which spills out into the plush oasis, Botanical Garden, overflowing with green foliage and serving the city’s finest gin and tonics in a heritage British garden setting.
"We do not own this space, it belongs to the city – past, present and future. We are simply custodians looking after it, bringing this piece of history into the now and paving the way for its continuation in the fabric of Hong Kong’s future.” - Founder Syed Asim Hussain
In the reimagination and restoration of The Magistracy, it was imperative to protect the history of the monument. That rather than introducing modern elements that distract and take away from the grandeur and stately feel of the building, anything introduced, from design to story, was something that reflected the ethos of the building's nature.
In order to ensure that this storied history of the space and many of the aspects of its original design were protected, we worked closely with the Hong Kong Antiquities and Monuments division and in collaboration with world-renowned designer Joyce Wang, of Joyce Wang Studios, to ensure that all elements introduced to the space were complementary.
HERITAGE REVITALIZATION
RESTAURANT & BAR
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MAGISTRACY DINING ROOM
A timeless London restaurant
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BOTANICAL GARDEN
The city’s finest gin & tonics enjoyed in a heritage British garden