Ciaotou New Town Phase 3 Urban Plan Approved in Kaohsiung, Balancing Environment and Industry

Kaohsiung City Government has welcomed the approval of the third phase of the Ciaotou New Town urban plan, emphasizing its role in the overall development and industrial layout of northern Kaohsiung. The plan is seen as crucial for supporting the Ciaotou Science Park.

The city government highlighted that this plan is not just a single land development project but a comprehensive urban plan responding to the needs of the Ciaotou Science Park, Baipu Industrial Park, and the semiconductor S-corridor. Local representatives and village chiefs have expressed support, hoping the plan and the development of Road 1-1 will connect the old and new Ciaotou communities and link surrounding industrial parks.

Environmental concerns, particularly regarding tree preservation, have been addressed. The Ministry of the Interior's Urban Planning Committee has requested the National Land Management Agency to provide specific responses and measures to the demands raised by environmental groups. The city government will maintain close contact with the agency to ensure local development needs are balanced with environmental protection.

The plan designates approximately 21 hectares as a "Ciaotou Sugar Factory Cultural Landscape Preservation Area" to preserve the sugar factory's dormitories and cultural sites. An additional 19 hectares are zoned for tourism development to promote local tourism and preserve sugar industry heritage. The plan also incorporates low-impact development principles, designating former afforestation land as parks and flood retention basins, and converting some roads into green corridors.

New road projects, including sections of Kaohsiung New Town Road 1-2, Youqing Road, and Liao Road, will feature rain gardens for temporary water storage and purification. Existing trees will be preserved, while many others will be transplanted and new ones planted along these routes. The law will take effect after its publication in the Official Gazette.