[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] Since 2015, Suncheon City, which has been promoting urban regeneration projects to revitalize the old downtown area, is known as a mecca of urban regeneration.
The urban regeneration leading projects conducted in Hyangdong and Jungang-dong, as well as the Cheongsugol Saetteul Village project, have been evaluated as the best cases in terms of process and achievements, and last year, the city hosted the National Urban Regeneration Festival.
In 2020, Suncheon's urban regeneration will not stop. Urban regeneration projects are simultaneously underway in three zones: Jangcheon-dong, Jeojeon-dong, and around Suncheon Station. These projects aim to revitalize the old downtown area, which is losing competitiveness, through commercial district activation and residential environment improvement.
In particular, Jangcheon-dong was once the city center, with the city hall and intercity bus terminal located there, but due to the development of new towns in the 1990s, the floating population decreased, commercial districts weakened, and old and vacant buildings increased.
The city plans to restore the former reputation of Cheongsadeul and lead nationwide urban regeneration through various hubs and specialized projects around the Jangcheon-dong bus terminal that residents and visitors can enjoy.
▶ ‘Commercial District Activation’ through Urban Space Innovation
Three specialized streets will be created in the Isuro and Palma-ro areas of Jangcheon-dong to revitalize the depressed alley commercial districts. The city will begin creating competitive representative scenic streets by improving pedestrian environments applying Universal Design (UD) and replacing signboards.
Along with this, customized consulting is provided in advance to support menu improvement and service education for dining businesses to enhance the competitiveness of the streets. Efforts are being made to attract stay-type tourists by improving aging lodging facilities and reflecting tourism trends such as the ‘Suncheon One-Month Living Program.’
Additionally, to solve traffic problems such as parking difficulties, a public parking lot will be created in the entertainment alley near the terminal, and pedestrian convenience facilities for the transportation vulnerable and a resident-led ‘Safe and Secure Village Making’ project are being prepared.
▶ Creation of Startup Ecosystem and ‘Job Creation’
Suncheon City plans to create an environment for startups and generate jobs to revitalize the alleys.
Old buildings will be renovated to create the Mongmirak Center (tentative name), which combines functions such as shared kitchens and artist practice rooms, as well as spaces for youth startups.
The city rents vacant stores to provide them to aspiring entrepreneurs and is attempting to create jobs for youth and the silver generation by planning shared startup workshops. Also, a ‘Renovation School’ will be held to share innovative ideas with various experts, and a ‘Renovation League’ will be organized to select prospective entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, a “Popup Space” will be created where new entrepreneurs can safely settle by experiencing startups and trying various attempts over a certain period.
▶ Strengthening Alley Autonomy to ‘Restore Resident Communities’
Suncheon City plans to build a sustainable urban regeneration platform and preserve community spirit through resident-led project promotion.
To improve the residential environment of aging apartment complexes, residents hold their own meetings, dreaming of a residential complex where everyone lives well together and moving forward together.
In addition, a resident council for urban regeneration projects has been formed to share opinions on creating hub spaces, and efforts are being made to realize alley autonomy by supporting various proposal contests.
This is further systematized by discovering and fostering social economy organizations such as village management cooperatives to secure the sustainability of urban regeneration projects, building a ‘Sustainable Urban Regeneration S/W Platform.’
Various contents will be realized, and hub facilities will be operated and managed to support their operation as the main agents of urban regeneration.
A Suncheon City official said, “The participation of local residents and the help of external activists are urgently needed for the smooth progress of the project,” and added, “We ask for much cooperation so that a vibrant Jangcheon-dong can be created through active interest, participation, and the cultivation of an open mindset.”
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