Ocean Terminal: first US-style mall in Hong Kong, and first in world integrated with a pier

The arrival of the liner Canberra in spring 1966 was cue for the opening of the Tsim Sha Tsui harbourside development; as well as the shops, its free parking was popular with Star Ferry commuters

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The 45,000-ton cruise liner Canberra docked at Hong Kong. Ocean Terminal was the first place in the city big enough to accommodate the ship.

Published: 7:00pm, 5 Apr 2016Updated: 7:00pm, 5 Apr 2016

Harbour City and Ocean Terminal are names often used interchangeably, because the Tsim Sha Tsui retail complex is a confusing set-up.

Today, the interconnected warren of shopping malls and arcades that form the “greater Harbour City” development also includes Ocean Centre, floors of the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel and the Gateway, with a bridge to Star House.

The development began life in March 1966 with the opening of Ocean Terminal – the world’s first marine pier integrated with a shopping centre, and Asia’s first US-style shopping mall.

A chef cuts the largest moon cake ever baked in Hong Kong at Ocean Terminal.

It was timed to coincide with the arrival of the luxury P&O cruise liner Canberra. The 45,000-ton ship, which had previously been unable to dock in Hong Kong, was in port for three days during a Pacific cruise. The vessel, and its destination, caused huge excitement locally.

“Anxious crowds had gathered at the railings on the western side of the Tsimshatsui concourse long before the terminal was opened,” the Post reported.