Mapping China: Urbanisation - 3 Urban Renewal: Planned Urban Renewal Projects

Clearance and relocation used to be the main techniques in the implementation of a top-down urban renewal project. But as the dominance of intense urbanisation in China is being replaced by a comprehensive urban ideology, a new trend of synthesised solutions in urban renewal projects is being seen, especially in the more developed city-regions. These places have a mixture of physical and cultural legacies from different historical periods, making it impossible to impose fast and unified schemes on all occasions. Besides, the changing role of local government from a key player to a legitimate coordinator has also opened doors for flexibility and diversity in finding new solutions.

A highlight of such transformation is the newly developed mechanism to use big events to stimulate large-scale urban renewal projects. Shanghai EXPO 2010 is an example. Like other urban renewal projects in the city, the planning of EXPO 2010 initiated actions to demolish most of the old factories in the designated area, which was only a few kilometres away from the centre. The plan faced fierce criticism concerning the relocation of the thousands of original dwellers and some of the city’s most established steel manufacturers that were affected by the plan. In the end, the EXPO economy helped accelerate the implementation of the plan. The outcome of the renewal project includes improved urban infrastructure and services, more job opportunities and a new area of office and commercial spaces. The relocation of factories contributed to the improvement of the inner-city environment. This is considered one of the most effective models of urban renewal projects.

The Shenzhen Biennale is a similar case. The 2013 and 2015 Shenzhen Biennales were both held in Shekou, an old industrial zone that used to thrive in the post Open Policy period. The new century saw the closing of most of the factories. The area was almost deserted after this transition of the city’s business structure took place. However, the Shenzhen Biennales made use of the gigantic factory architecture, generating a lasting postmodern culture atmosphere that brought the place back to vibrant conditions. Roads were re-paved and public services improved. Of course gentrification is almost inevitable in these cases, and discussions on who should benefit from such urban renewal projects are still going on.