A large-scale urban renewal plan encompassing 285 hectares in northern Shilin District of Taipei City is under consideration by the local government.
Bordered by Keelung River, Waishuang Creek, and Taipei metro Jiantan and Shilin stations, the triangular area features some of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. These include National Palace Museum, New Children’s Amusement Park and Shilin Official Residence.
Taipei Deputy Mayor Charles Lin said over 100 coaches pass through the neighborhood each day, helping achieve an annual visitor number of 10 million. “Given the magnitude of this impact on the environment, we believe the time is ripe for implementing structural adjustments through a reallocation of resources.”
According to the plan drafted by Taipei City Government’s Department of Urban Development, the first phase involves rehabilitating the wetland surrounding Chientan Overseas Youth Activity Center.
TCG decided not to renew locally headquartered China Youth Corps lease over the 50,000-square-meter property earlier this month, opting to turn the site into an arts center and park at the end of the year.
“The base is located at the convergence of Yuanshan Mountain and Keelung River, a prime location to link up Taipei’s extensive waterfront green belt,” Lin said. “With the ponds and meadows restored to their natural state, the metropolis will have an eco-friendly arts venue boasting 7.5 hectares of greenery.
“More importantly, it will serve as a hub for cultural hotspots within its radius, including the NPM, Taipei Fine Arts Museum and under-construction Taipei Performing Arts Center.”
The second phase is expected to address the prospect of redeveloping Shilin’s old neighborhoods, Lin said, adding that public housing, facilities and transportation are all part of a tentative scenario.
