Naju City Revamps Innovative City Plan to Address Vacancy and Improve Livability
Naju, South Korea – Naju City is undertaking a full reorganization of its Innovative City District Unit Plan, initiated to address persistent issues of commercial vacancy and improve the quality of life for residents. since the cityS completion in 2015, rapid growth has outpaced the development of essential public institutions, leading to concerns about empty storefronts and inconveniences for those living and working in the area.
The revised plan, designed to reflect resident feedback, focuses on several key changes. These include allowing the construction of dormitories on industry-university cluster land, easing restrictions on commercial space usage to permit outdoor business operations, and deregulating regulations surrounding store-type single-family homes and households.
Residents have expressed optimism about the potential impact of these changes.”It was desolate because there were many malls that turned off every night, but if this action becomes a reality, the atmosphere of the neighborhood will be different,” stated one resident. A local merchant added, “I was worried about folding the business because I didn’t have a guest.”
City officials emphasize that the plan goes beyond simply filling vacant spaces. “This plan is not just solving the problem of the vacancy of the shopping mall, but a strategy that makes the innovative city a ‘city that you want to live, a city you stay,'” explained an official from Naju City. They committed to continued engagement with residents and merchants throughout the implementation process.
To further support businesses, Naju City launched a national first - an online vacancy fair in June.The platform provides real-time data on available commercial spaces and guides small businesses through available support policies. Early feedback has been positive, with one prospective cafe owner noting, ”It is indeed very helpful to compare various mall information without selling it directly to the site.”
However, concerns remain about the fair’s reach. One merchant pointed out, “there are not many people who do not know yet,” advocating for more proactive promotion and follow-up support from the city.
Experts also caution that addressing the vacancy issue solely through district unit plan adjustments might potentially be insufficient. They argue that sustained revitalization requires a notable increase in population and consumer base, similar to the conditions present before the relocation of public institutions. “In order for the revival of the innovative city, not only simply deregulation, but also a large-scale population and demand creation policy, such as before the second public institution, must be supported,” one local expert stated.
A resident echoed this sentiment,saying,”I agree that urban planning is needed,but it is difficult to survive unless the number of people is fundamentally increasing.”
The consensus is that administrative measures, including deregulation and institutional maintenance, are merely a starting point.ultimately, the success of Naju’s innovative City hinges on attracting residents and fostering a thriving local economy. The city’s current efforts are being viewed as a crucial step towards achieving that goal.
