Further reclamation in Central and Wan Chai was first recommended in a strategic planning study entitled "Study on Harbour Reclamation and Urban Growth" in 1982-1983. It was anticipated that this would accommodate the projected increase in transportation and development requirements over the next decade.

Three of the five reclamation phases, including Central Reclamation Phase I and II and Wan Chai Reclamation Phase I, which totals some 32.3 hectares of new land, were completed between 1993-1998. The first two projects were completed as part of Airport Core Projects for the new international airport at Chek Lap Kok, which opened in 1998.