Teri Tsang Speaks at CBRE’s Annual Thrive Forum in Guangzhou
Following the pandemic’s resolution, China’s commercial retail sector has experienced a rapid and robust recovery. To meet the evolving needs of the new generation and adapt to the dynamic consumer landscape, innovative retail business models are emerging. Concurrently, existing commercial properties are undergoing upgrades and adjustments to pursue breakthroughs.
To shed light on these changes and developments, CBRE organised its annual Thrive Forum on December 12th at their Guangzhou office. Teri Tsang, Director and Hong Kong Studio Lead, had the privilege of participating in the Forum alongside Kali Chan, Design Director, and Jeannie Zhang, Business Development Officer, representing Benoy.
Keynote Speakers Illuminate Retail Trends
The forum attracted prominent developers from Guangzhou and the Greater Bay Area, as well as government officials. Distinguished industry professionals took the stage as keynote speakers, including Teri representing Benoy, Jessica Huang, General Manager of Taikoo Hui, and Frannie Yang, Head of Research, Guangzhou at CBRE.
Teri delivered a captivating presentation on the latest trends in retail architecture, emphasising the importance of revitalising commercial spaces and adopting adaptive design. She also contributed valuable insights during the subsequent roundtable discussion, which featured representatives from Yuexiu Group, CapitaLand, and China Department Store. The discussion focused on strategic considerations for commercial space transformations.
Space Transformation: Retrofitting and Regenerating Buildings
During her presentation, Teri highlighted the global aim to achieve a net-zero future by 2050 and underscored the importance of retrofitting and regenerating existing buildings to reduce carbon emissions. She further explored the concept of creating spaces that cater to the evolving needs and expectations of modern society, while addressing the challenges associated with aging commercial properties. She emphasised the expectations of the younger generation on quality of life and unique spatial design, ultimately shaping the future of commercial spaces.
Inspiring Case Studies
To illustrate her ideas and insights, Teri shared inspiring case studies of Benoy’s involvement in various projects. These included the Cross Street redevelopment in Singapore, the Yougchuan Li project in Chongqing, China, and the Huafa Wuhan City Hub in Wuhan, China. She demonstrated how these developments can be seamlessly integrated into neighbourhoods and fostering a sense of community belonging. Notably, she discussed the immense development potential in Guangzhou and Benoy’s commitment to supporting it.
Towards the end of her presentation, Teri showcased how existing remarkable landmarks can be re-envisioned and reshaped to transform the urban landscape. Examples featured the Resorts World Sentosa project in Singapore and Guangzhou’s Parc Central.
Roundtable Discussion: Unveiling Guangzhou’s Retail Future
The roundtable discussion delved further into strategic considerations for commercial space transformations, examining the new changes in China’s commercial trends and market. Guest speakers explored the impact of unconventional business models and identified the advantages and learning opportunities for traditional shopping centers. The discussion provided valuable insights into strategies for navigating the future of Guangzhou’s business and property landscape.
CBRE Thrive Forum
The CBRE Thrive Forum is an annual event organised by CBRE, a global real estate services and investment firm operating in over 100 countries. This forum serves as a platform for industry professionals to gather and discuss the latest market trends, insights, and best practices in real estate.
Photos couresty of CBRE
