In yet another ambitious construction project, it was announced earlier last week that plans are underway to transform an old residential area along Suzhou Creek into an upmarket community complex.
Suzhou Creek, which was historically one of Shanghai's most important water routes, has suffered from pollution and neglect in recent years. A clean-up project began in 1998 and the last group of families and shops began moving out in April of this year.
Among the international experts called in to develop the area, the government has invited three institutes from the United States, United Kingdom and France to help produce the plan.
"The Bay Area will include continuous pedestrian paths, preserved historical buildings, arts and cultural landmarks, newly built bridges as well as a central business district," read the project's blueprints.
Many of the buildings in the historical area will be protected and preserved, including the remains of the last shanty town, former banks and historical warehouses. Others will be renovated to house arts and cultural exhibitions. Sihang Warehouse, for example, which was the base for Japanese military headquarters during their occupation of Shanghai in World War II, has already been converted into a museum.
Suzhou Creek in the 1940s
Plenty of green spaces will also be introduced as authorities breathe life back into the area and try to restore it to its former glory.
[Image via Jessie Wang and Cities in Old Days on Flickr]
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