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Waterfront City, A New Port City, The outline of Kaohsiung's waterfront new look
Text by Jessica Lin　Photos by Jung-Hui Pao

　　The long and continuous coastal line is the most precious natural resource of Kaohsiung, forming as it does the port culture and the unique expression of the river and the sea. Both these features will provide the potential to bring city marketing into full play.

　　Following current trends, Taiwan will also more toward the development of culture and leisure. In 'Challenge 2008 - National Development Plan', set up by the Central Government, 'Double Tourist Arrival Plan' has been included. In order to echo this future trend and the overall direction of the nation, the City Government of Kaohsiung has made a great effort to redevelop available space in order to cultivate a unique oceanic culture in Kaohsiung.
 
　　Ever since the formal Mayor, Frank Hsieh started to make significant changes to the rivers in Kaohsiung, such as the Love River and Cianjhen River; waterside recreational areas have been created. Furthermore, the rational concept of 'Unite the City and Port' has helped open up the port space to the citizens of Kaohsiung. Lately, City Government has placed even more important on the 'remodelling of port space', and is actively lobbying authorities within the Kaohsiung Port area, such as Ministry of Transportation and Communications and Ministry of Economic Affairs, to open up more port area for the City. With full support from the Central Government, many port areas, such as, the docks and coastal scenic spots, can be developed. By utilizing such local feature, Kaohsiung will then be able to find its own, new orientation.
 

■□  The world-class leisure water area stretches from the Love River
　　The thriving and colorful scenery of the Love River and the romantic 'love' boats have already become the most beautiful attraction for both the people of Kaohsiung and tourists. Nevertheless, from the Wufu Bridge to the estuary of the Love River, this particular water area between No.11 and 12 Dock, and No.3 Channel, has long been dimly lit at night and deserted.

　　Since this particular water area does not hold any dangers for boats navigating short journeys, and because the 'Sea Palace' building had already been towed into the No. 3 Channel, the water area of this estuary has been designated into a navigation route for sailboats and love boats. The City Government will concentrate on the construction of the area in order to make it into a world-class leisure water area.

　　The No. 12 Dock, which is connected to this water area, continues to present the waterfront and leisure image of the Love River. Due to the improvement plan for the area surrounding 'No.12 Dock', the completion of the 'Riverside Park Scenic Footpath Improving Plan' and the 'Park Road Port Surrounding Scenic Redevelopment', there is now a footpath leading to the estuary. This path passes through the round square by the Park Road corner, which will lead the way to the Love River, and then down to the No.12 Dock.

　　In the future, the construction and reformation of the disused warehouse, including the landscaping of the surrounding area will create a visually romantic spot. Complemtnt this further development of the Love River, a transportation route will be introduced between the two rivers and the port, offering an even more complete leisure space by the river and the sea.

■□  The East Bay Links a New Line of Scenery
　　In the other direction from Kaohsiung Port, the completion of 'Sizihwan Coastal Redevelopment Construction' this August, echoes theme adopted at the estuary of the Love River and thus brings a new spirit to the oceanic scenery of Kaohsiung.

　　Hamasen, which is just next to Sizihwan, has always been a famous attraction in Kaohsiung. However, between it and Sizihwan there has always been a military guard post, which has, up till now, isolated it from the public. The 'Sizihwan Coastal Redevelopment Construction' has now overcome all difficulties and has pulled down violated buildings and has thus expanded a sightseeing platform. This has helped to open up the sightseeing area and solve the problem of overcrowding during the holidays.

　　Furthermore, the sidewalk and the wooden footpath which start from Sizihwan, have both been set up after dismantling the military guard post, thus enabling tourists to walk to the 3rd-class monument, 'Hsiungchen North Gate', and all the way to the Shaochuantou Park in Hamasen. On this new scenic route, tourists are able to view the first port from the sightseeing platform, and enjoy the enchanting sunset. The route to the 'Hsiungchen North Gate' takes you along a romantic wooden footpath, and on the illuminated bench you may watch the big ships stealing into port. The charming coastline with its historical background, and the romantic lighting, both help promote this local economic development.

■□  A brand new waterfront planning
　　Apart from the estuary of the Love River, the No.12 Dock, and the surrounding area of Sizihwan, the City Government is also actively negotiating with the Port of Kaohsiung, to strive for the right to develop No. 11-15 Dock which are to the east of the No. 3 channel of Kaohsiung Port. Its completion, which is to be scheduled for 2006, will provide an opening for investment, and operations are expected to start soon. After the Chinese New Year, the citizens of Kaohsiung will be able to take a stroll around the dock.

　　With the brand new waterfront project on the way, Premier Hsieh has praised City Government for their efforts in making Kaohsiung into a true 'Port City'.

　　At the same time, the City Government has already gained support from the Central Government, regarding the future of No. 1 to 22 Dock of Kaohsiung Port and No. 3 Channel will be the most important 'strategic base' in the development of Kaohsiung. After the plan has taken shape, a 'Kaohsiung waterfront building site construction panel discussion' will take place, during which many domestic experts, scholars, and talented architects will be invited; issues in accordance with the overall development of the Kaohsiung port and surrounded land will then be raised and discussed.

　　The development of the city will be looked at as a whole. The reorientation and overall planning of Kaohsiung city and its port by the City Government are able to totally change the entire area. It is hoped that this will encourage tourism, visitors becoming attracted by the leisure side of a waterfront city. The City Government also sent out a team of experts to Rotterdam, Netherlands at the beginning of September this year, formally proclaimed an international competition for the design of a 'waterfront Kaohsiung'. In this way, it was hoped that teams of professional forein developers would come to Kaohsiung.