The state-run National Housing and Urban Regeneration Center (NHURC) yesterday held a groundbreaking ceremony for Plot A of the nation’s biggest social housing project to date, expected to house 1,865 families with a projected completion date of 2029.
Plot A involves a 14-story building aboveground with a two-story basement. It is projected to cost NT$10.38 billion (US$320 million) and would be wholly funded by the central government.
Social housing is a policy allowing the next generation of Taiwanese to receive housing justice, Vice President Hsiaio Bi-khim (蕭美琴) said at the groundbreaking ceremony yesterday.
Photo courtesy of the Kaohsiung City Government
The government builds the housing complexes, handles rent and apartment management, and provides rental subsidies, Hsiao said, adding that the policy aims to benefit up to 1 million social housing residents nationwide.
Social housing units must be sturdy and durable while meeting green architecture requirements, she said.
The government hopes the project’s amenities and public spaces would emphasize mutual care among its residents, Hsiao said.
Such a focus would encourage people to reside within, making the complex a model for future community-building projects and providing residents with a stepping stone to a successful life, she said.
Plot A of the housing project is located in Kaohsiung’s Fongshan District (鳳山) and is across from the Fongshan Daycare Social Welfare Center, which offers public childcare centers, public kindergartens, day-care for the physically challenged, a community university and a social welfare center, NHURC president Hua Ching-chun (花敬群) said.
The project is also near Tzuchiang Park, Haifong Park and a national heritage site, the Former Japanese Navy Fongshan Communication Center, providing ample opportunities for leisure, Hua said.
The complex would have designated areas for businesses, shops and office spaces that could be rented out, Hua said.
Groundbreaking would happen soon for plots B, C and D, while the plans for Plot E are in progress, Hua said, adding that the overall complex would house 5,000 families.
The housing project aims to build a small town within a city, with comprehensive planning for facility locations, transportation, logistics and all other details, Hua said.
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