Telford Plaza, the first-ever railway property development by MTR Corporation, is celebrating its remarkable 45-year journey with a series of celebrations, starting with the vibrant and nostalgic exhibition titled “Next Station: Telford”. Running from August 22 to October 19, this exhibition invites the public to step into a time capsule—exploring the rich heritage, milestones, and lesser-known stories that have shaped this iconic Kowloon East landmark for 45 years.
A vision that became a community landmark
Nestled in the heart of Kowloon East, Telford Plaza has always been more than just a shopping centre. Conceived in the early 1980s as a pioneering project in urban integration, it was among the first developments in Hong Kong to seamlessly combine residential living, commercial convenience, and railway connectivity. Over the decades, it has grown into a vibrant hub where everyday life, culture, and community come together—linked effortlessly by the MTR with its visionary “Rail plus Community” model.
Now, as Telford Plaza celebrates 45 years of growth and community spirit, “Next Station: Telford” brings that legacy to life across five immersive exhibition zones, each offering a unique glimpse into its evolution.
Five zones, endless stories
Visitors can start their journey in the “Time Train” zone, where vintage photographs, with historic documents and clippings, recreate the sights and atmosphere of Telford Plaza along the 45-year journey. This nostalgic experience charts the transformation of both the plaza and its surrounding neighborhoods, offering a powerful reflection on how far Kowloon East has come.
Precious vintage photographs, with historic documents and clippings, recreate the sights and atmosphere of Telford Plaza along the 45-year journey.
The celebration continues in “Sharing Joy with the Community”, a lively showcase of the iconic events and exhibitions that have defined Telford Plaza over the years. From festive seasons to unforgettable community moments, this zone captures the warmth, excitement and energy that have made the plaza a cherished gathering place for generations.
Delve deeper into the social heartbeat of the community in “Bonding Communities”. This section highlights Telford Plaza’s longstanding commitment to corporate social responsibility, with thoughtful displays of charitable initiatives and public welfare projects that showcase the strong sense of connection and inclusivity between the plaza and the community.
Art and urban beauty come together in “The Beauty of Telford”, a curated collection of photography by professionals from Hong Kong Reminiscence. This zone uncovers the hidden visual poetry of the Telford community, revealing the unique charm and striking perspectives shaped by the “Rail plus Community” development model.
Rounding out the exhibition part is “The Fun Facts of Telford,” a light-hearted and engaging exploration of lesser-known facts, community trivia, and untold stories. This interactive zone reintroduces the neighborhood from a fresh perspective, celebrating the quirky charm and unique personality that have flourished over 45 years.
Where past meets present: interactive experiences
Blending innovation with nostalgia, the exhibition also features two standout interactive installations.
“Back to Telford Cherished Moments” uses AI technology to re-create scenes of Kowloon Bay Station, Telford Centre, and the roller-skating rink in 1980’s, immerse visitors to embark on a nostalgic journey back to the cherished days of the Telford Community through engaging videos.
In “My Story with Telford”, guests are invited to become part of the narrative. By sharing their personal photos and memories, they help build a living archive of collective memories—celebrating the deep, personal connections that make this community special.
A citywide celebration
Beyond the exhibition halls, a dynamic line-up of public events and community tours offers even more ways to celebrate.
On select Saturdays—September 13, 27, October 4, and 18—the “Hidden Railway Tour in Kowloon Bay” offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the MTR Depot, rarely open to the public. Organized in partnership with local social enterprise “Kaifong Tour”, this guided walk takes participants from Telford Plaza through Telford Gardens and into Kowloon Bay’s most intriguing hidden gems, revealing how transportation and community development go hand in hand.
For photography lovers, the “Telford Reminiscence Photography Tour” on September 6 and October 4 offers a chance to explore the area through a creative lens. Led by “Hong Kong Reminiscence”, participants will discover and document the hidden beauty of the community.
The exhibition also showcases stunning photographs by a diverse array of photographers, each capturing the enchanting railway wonders of this vibrant community.
Reflecting on the plaza’s enduring success, Mr David Tang Chi-fai, Property & International Business Director of MTR Corporation, remarked:“Over the past 45 years, Telford Community has evolved into a mature hub that seamlessly connects residential, commercial, and community elements. With easy access to the MTR station and a strong support network, it has not only improved the quality of life for residents, but leading Kowloon East to transform from an industrial district into a major commercial hub, reflecting MTR’s enduring commitment to Hong Kong, its neighbourhood and its people.”
