Seoul City Expands Public Facilities Using Public Contributions
229.5 Billion KRW Allocated for Amsa History Park
9.37 Billion KRW Allocated for Road Construction Between Gwangwoon University Station and Wolgyero
Seoul City will utilize public contributions received during the district unit plan amendment process for station area development projects to create Amsa History Park and to open a road between Gwangwoon University Station and Wolgye-ro.
On the 18th, Seoul City announced that it held a Public Facility Installation Fund Operation Deliberation Committee meeting on the 11th to discuss plans for expanding public facilities using public contributions. Public contribution refers to the development gains generated when urban plans are amended, involving the provision of land for public facilities or bearing the installation or installation costs of public facilities in cash.
The city resolved to allocate 22.95 billion KRW for the creation of Amsa History Park, a long-delayed facility, and 9.37 billion KRW for the road opening project between Gwangwoon University Station and Wolgye-ro.
Amsa History Park was first designated in 2006 but faced difficulties in securing financial conditions and large-scale compensation costs, and was approaching urban plan expiration in 2026. Utilizing public contributions, the city plans to complete the basic plan establishment and land compensation within this year and develop the park in phases by 2027. The park will include the Prehistoric Village Forest, Amsa Garden Center, and Bitssal Plaza.
The road opening project between Gwangwoon University Station and Wolgye-ro was also delayed due to funding difficulties but was relaunched in connection with the Gwangwoon University Station area development project. The city plans to complete land compensation within this year, start construction, and finish the project by 2026. This project will improve the road traffic system to prepare for increased traffic volume resulting from development projects near Gwangwoon University Station.
Location map of the road opening from Gwangwoon University Station to Wolgye-ro. Provided by Seoul City
The public facility installation fund resources were prepared by receiving a portion of public contributions in cash when land use zones are changed in development projects involving complex land use areas such as station areas or large-scale idle lands.
Previously, the use of public contributions from development projects was limited to within the relevant district unit plan area, restricting their use in areas lacking public facilities. Since the revision of the National Land Planning Act in July 2021, if sufficient public facilities are secured within the district unit plan area, cash payments are allowed, enabling use in areas where public facilities are needed.
Seoul City received cash donations from the Seoul Station North Station Area Development Project and the Gwangwoon University Station Logistics Site Development Project as the 'Public Facility Installation Fund' and used them for the first time to install public facilities.
Jo Nam-jun, head of Seoul City's Urban Space Headquarters, said, "Seoul City will continue to expand the systematic creation of public facilities through cash donations to support balanced development."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
