Urban Renewal in Kaohsiung

Recognising the historical value of a place is easy, but to conserve it even though it is costly when it comes to economic return is a decision many do not like to commit. We saw many old buildings being torn down as the buildings are malfunction and obsolete with the modern look without even exploring the possibility for that buildings to be revisited for a new life. We tend to look for easy solution when it comes to urban renewal.

Although urban renewal is not only referring to urban redevelopment, the notion of involving urban rehabilitation, regeneration and re branding has not being given proper attention. All this because of the easy planning for pulling down old buildings and replaced with totally new one. It is more difficult to enhance quality of living environment by doing it while the existing social fabric is still there. However, some city managers have not bothered much by this difficulty but insist on going forward for conserving the existing and valuable buildings or places.

Take the urban renewal project at Kaohsiung Port for example. The railway tracks and station were preserved and turned it into museum and grass square for public. The warehouse was converted into a theatre and art centre. Many existing warehouses were still there until the proposed use have been decided. No people has rushed over to demolish the buildings and cleared the site without finalising on the future use. I presume this spirit witnesses the commitment of the community and city government.

This spirit is derived from strong leadership and participation of the people. People through representation of NGO voiced out what they aspired and involved in getting it done. Leadership of the city government is so great that they are prepared to let go monetary gain for long term benefits of the city. I presume we need such commitment if an urban renewal programme is implemented in Petaling Jaya.