There is never a shortage of novel playgrounds or a snazzy new activity to entice the city’s throngs of culture buffs. Yet when it comes to one steeped in historical and educational context yet equally impresses with cool factor? The newly minted and much hyped The Mills, nestled at the corner of Tsuen Wan, is certainly high on the list.
The HK$700 million revitalisation project from local property developer Nan Fung Group, which took half a decade to complete, is an extraordinary homage to the legacy of Hong Kong’s textiles industry in its golden era now reimagined as a thriving hub for the city’s local culture, art, lifestyle and retail scene.
This ode to history is none more apparent than from its architectural structure: a sprawling 260,000-sqft three-storey complex is the result of thoughtful restoration by local practice Thomas Chow Architects. Three former cotton mills—Mills 4, 5 and 6, which served as the heart of Nan Fung Textiles during Hong Kong’s manufacturing heyday—have been transformed and conjoined into a single complex that comprises of 3 pillars: the Mills Fabrica, the Shopfloor and the Centre for Heritage, Arts & Textile (CHAT).
The rustic, chipped white-painted exteriors remain, many adorned with handpainted murals by local artists, as do historic details from stencilling and exposed beams; yet much of the interiors have been given a suave, pared back overhaul featuring column-less open spaces, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, skylights, a tree-lined rooftop garden and a beautiful sun-lit staircase within the main hall that encapsulates the industrial-chic look.
Housed within this architectural backbone, it is indeed the vibrant and diverse programme of cultural and textiles exhibitions, workshops, retail spaces and charming eateries that are the true scene stealers for culture connoisseurs and families alike.
Highlights include the CHAT’s studio space featuring the Beau Architects-designed D.H Chen Foundation Gallery that hosts exhibits charting the history of textile craftsmanship; experimental retail shops such as garment upcycling store alt:, sustainable lifestyle store Pimary and startup-focused Techstyle X; regular workshops on traditional crafts including wavy weaving and hand spinning; and engaging artworks such as Denim Tree, a large installation made of sewn up textile produce.
Gourmands will also find plenty of options from Tei Mou Koon's favourite local desserts to scrumptious burgers at Honbo and local craft beers at TAP: The Ale Project—a cold pint or three enjoyed at the nearby al fresco rooftop lend a perfect end to a day of exploring.
To find out more of The Mills, visit themills.com.hk
