June 1981. Third generation The knocked-down building was replaced with a 21-storey building designed by Austrian-born Australian architect Harry Seidler, that was unveiled to the members in December 1980. Hongkong Land agreed to shoulder all demolition and rebuilding costs in exchange for the rental income of the upper storeys for 25 years. of the new building was to be occupied by the Club – the four podium floors in the new tower would be kept as dining rooms and bars for the members – while the 17 upper floors would be leased for normal office use. From 2009, the Club took full ownership of the building and to collect all rental revenues, estimated to be HK$100 million a year. A refurbishment took place in 2011, including the Club taking back the sixth floor and converting it into a fitness center, and taking back the retail premises on the north side of the building. More recently, the retail space in the south-east corner of the building were taken back and were converted into a Members’ cafe which opened in mid-2021. The building no longer has any retail space on the ground floor. Floors 7 to 21 are leased to a variety of companies, law firms and other organizations. Lease In September 2021, Legislative Council member Paul Tse questioned the 999 year lease of the building for use with only 1500 elite members, asking "given that the HKC building occupies a site in the heart of Central at a low government rent, and that its members are the rich or noble with the general public not being able to enjoy its facilities, whether the Government has assessed if such a situation is outdated and not in the public interest". See also Central and Western Heritage Trail References Buildings and structures demolished in 1981 Demolished buildings and structures in Hong Kong Central, Hong Kong Harry Seidler buildings