Conditional on Traffic Measures and Public Cooperation
Gwangju Buk-gu has given conditional final approval for the construction of 'The Hyundai Gwangju,' the region's first large-scale mixed-use shopping mall.
On June 18, Buk-gu announced, "We have approved the construction permit for The Hyundai Gwangju, which will be built on the former Jeonnam and Ilshin Textile sites, on the condition that measures to improve traffic are implemented." The Hyundai Gwangju will have a total floor area of 273,895 square meters, with six underground and eight above-ground floors. It will be a large-scale complex for shopping, culture, and leisure, 1.5 times the size of The Hyundai Seoul in Yeouido, Seoul.
Prior to advancing the project, Buk-gu formed a dedicated task force in March and conducted three rounds of reviews to assess the adequacy of the building and related infrastructure. The district particularly expressed concerns about a potential increase in daily traffic volume of up to 290,000 vehicles due to the mixed-use mall and nearby large-scale redevelopment projects. As a result, Buk-gu required The Hyundai Gwangju Corporation, the developer, to prepare traffic improvement measures as a condition for approval. Additional conditions included allowing visitors to Kia Champions Field to use the parking facilities and conducting traffic monitoring after the completion of development activities.
During the construction period, the corporation was also required to secure temporary parking and implement measures to alleviate traffic congestion. Plans to improve bicycle paths and pedestrian walkways in connection with the Gwangjucheon riverside development project were also mandated. Demolition of existing buildings on the site where The Hyundai Gwangju will be constructed has been completed, while demolition work for the remaining area, where residential and public facilities will be built, is still underway.
The Hyundai Gwangju Corporation plans to begin construction as soon as possible, aiming to open in 2027. Since proposing the district unit plan in February last year, the corporation has undergone a traffic impact assessment, fire safety performance review, and landscape and architectural deliberations. Approval procedures are also underway for the residential construction project plan for 'Champions City,' a mixed-use complex with approximately 4,300 households.
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