After a decade of discussions, a plan for what to do with a massive plot of land that was once the TRA Kaohsiung Railway Depot has been approved. The nearly 32-hectare industrial area will be repurposed into a “cultural district” with parks as well as land for social welfare housing. The site is located along the former boundary between Kaohsiung County and City. Much debate occurred over the huge land area as it’s now prime urban property and some wanted big corporate developers to come in and construct new neighborhoods.
But Taiwan now places much more significance on preserving historical sites and the Kaohsiung City Government – along with the TRA – conducted 11 public hearings and discussion forums, seeking input from legislators, local communities, railway heritage groups, and tree preservation organizations. The approved plan will seek to balance urban development with preservation. It will also improve connectivity by opening up Ziqi Road (which runs east-west) and the (north-south) Gongzheng Road, linking the new cultural district with the Weiwuying Cultural and Arts Center.
The approved changes include about 10.45 hectares of public facilities, two parks, two parking lots, and three multifunctional plazas as well as expanded roads.
The freight train workshop and train turntable will be preserved as key historical landmarks. In good news for families with kids, the freight train workshop is set to be transformed into the “Kaohsiung Family Amusement Park,” and feature various play areas and activities for kids. No specific date was given for the completion of construction.
Pics and info via KH City Govt/AmCham English News
