Money
Wudaokou slated for renovation
By Wang Chao (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-04-02 06:38
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Wudaokou area in Haidian district will start being transformed into a well-ordered, formal commercial center this year, according to the Haidian District Commission of Commerce.
"This area is prosperous and serves as an informal commercial center for the neighborhood, but it is not well organized - there are currently many problems in this area, including illegal vending stands and congested traffic," said a staff member of the Haidian District Commission of Commerce, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Wudaokou is a transportation hub, where subway Line 13 and more than 10 bus lines meet, as well as home to Tsinghua University, Beijing Language and Culture University and the graduate school of the People's Bank of China. Every day an estimated one million people commute to, from or through the area.
"Last year, we finished the blueprint for transforming the Ganjiakou are and this year we will follow up with Wudaokou," the source said.
Since Wudaokou is surrounded by universities and has many foreign residents, the transformation will emphasize cultural elements, to help keep the area's distinct character, the source said.
"We are planning some businesses, for example, which will carter to students' and foreigners' tastes," she added.
According to Beijing News, the new Wudaokou will have public lawns, flower beds and sculptures.
The revamp blueprint will be done by the end of the year, so different tasks can be assigned to different municipal department and the renovation can begin, according to the Haidian District Commission of Commerce.
"Hopefully, each team will figure out a budget and be ready to act at the end of 2010," the source said.
The majority of the construction work and road expansion involved in the project will officially start in 2011.
"We will not rush to demolish every building and rebuild it - instead we will alter the existing facilities and make it more user-friendly," the source said.
According to the commission, the transformation will make life more convenient for local residents, will relieve congestion during rush hour (since the current street is too narrow) and make the area tidier.
