Property developer and investor Hongkong Land has opened the second phase of Westbund Central, its US$8 billion ($10.2 billion) flagship mixed-use development at Shanghai’s Xuhui waterfront district.

Focusing on designer lifestyle brands, the commercial launch for the latest phase introduces a diverse mix of global-first stores, designer labels and flagship concepts, aimed at positioning the development as Shanghai’s "new downtown", with work-live-play offerings, the group said in a May 4 release.

New tenants include Japanese fashion house Issey Miyake, multi-brand boutique SND, Leica Store & Gallery by the German camera manufacturer, artisanal Swiss chocolatier House of Läderach, as well as European design houses Hay and Paulmann.

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With a planned total gross floor area of more than 1.7 million sq m (about 18.3 million sq ft), Westbund Central is Hongkong Land’s largest-ever single investment.

Scheduled for completion in 2028, the ultra-premium integrated development will include 650,000 sq m of premium Grade A offices and 240,000 sq m of retail space, 160,000 sq m of waterfront luxury residences, 55,000 sq m across two hotels, and more than 50,000 sq m dedicated to cultural and art facilities.

The first phase of the opening had centred on F&B, cafes, and sports and leisure facilities. Looking ahead, the third phase will introduce a cluster of global luxury maison flagships — ultra-premium, experiential retail spaces operated by top-tier luxury brands — to further boost the district’s international appeal.

About 12,000 sq m of retail space is already open, with another 30,000 sq m slated to debut later this year. Hongkong Land expects Westbund Central to house more than 600 international retail and lifestyle brands and 180 F&B operators.

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