Creating a Landmark Reflecting Future Demand in Culture and Leisure
Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam Province has decided to extensively reorganize the semi-industrial area along Changwon-daero, which is formed like a belt between the Changwon National Industrial Complex and Changwon-daero.
On the 11th, Mayor Hong Nam-pyo personally announced the district unit plan for the semi-industrial area at the City Hall's 3rd conference room, stating, "Out of the 13.8 km of Changwon-daero, we will completely overhaul a 100m-wide section spanning 6.3 km, covering a total area of 575,778㎡ and 86 parcels."
Hong Nampyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City, Gyeongnam, is announcing the district unit plan for the semi-industrial area along Changwon Boulevard. Photo by Lee Seryeong
Mayor Hong diagnosed that while the semi-industrial area along Changwon-daero played a significant role in supporting workers' lives during the industrialization era, it now faces limitations in responding to future spatial demands due to strict regulations in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Narrow and uniform lots and monotonous screen-type buildings have hindered the openness of the industrial complex, and the area’s use has been limited to dormitories and office facilities. The absence of cultural or leisure facilities demanded by the times and the lack of spaces for corporate business activities make it difficult to respond quickly to the rapidly changing industrial environment.
Accordingly, Changwon City plans to create conditions to build a new landmark high-rise complex building symbolizing the Changwon National Industrial Complex on the site of the Korea Industrial Complex Corporation Gyeongnam Regional Headquarters, located at the T-axis center of Changwon-daero and Jungang-daero, which represent Korea’s first planned city.
The landmark, concentrated with business and startup spaces, will be designed for diverse uses such as public offices, research, exhibitions, conventions, hotels, and retail.
Location map of semi-industrial area along Changwon-daero, Changwon-si, Gyeongnam. Provided by Changwon Special City
Mayor Hong said, "We plan to establish landmarks in about three locations within the jurisdiction," and added, "If landmark buildings that can accommodate the diverse needs and desires of young people are built, we will be able to present a compact urban model that includes startup spaces for youth and various complex cultural facilities."
The city will relax regulations including floor area ratio and building coverage ratio in the remaining semi-industrial areas excluding the Industrial Complex Corporation site, expanding benefits to encourage combined parcel development.
Regulations limiting building heights to 5 to 10 floors will be changed to a minimum of 16 floors to increase the utilization of building space and enhance efficiency.
Instead of promoting apartment construction, the city plans to encourage small officetels to improve residential conditions for young people and make the area a place where youth want to stay.
Hong Nampyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam, is greeting attendees before announcing the district unit plan for the semi-industrial area along Changwon Boulevard. Photo by Lee Seryeong
Mayor Hong elaborated, "Apartments will be allowed when using existing parcels, but otherwise, we intend to strengthen benefits by encouraging combined parcels or uses other than apartments," and added, "Considering the increasing trend of one- to two-person households, I believe officetels are necessary to solve housing and workspace issues."
He also said, "We will pay close attention to the areas connecting to the green spaces on the opposite side of the industrial complex," and added, "We will continue to consider plans to preserve green spaces and improve road plans to prepare for commuting traffic conditions."
Mayor Hong stated, "We will transform the semi-industrial area along Changwon-daero into a vibrant space where the industrial complex and culture coexist, making it a forward base to strengthen the sustainability of Changwon City for the next 50 years."
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