Taichung's Fengyuan Forestry Dormitories Renovation Targeted for 2028 Completion

Vice Legislative Speaker Chiang Chi-chen inspected the historic Forestry Bureau dormitory complex in Fengyuan, Taichung, with officials from the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency and the National Property Administration. The visit focused on the progress of renovating the north and south sections of the complex, with a target completion date of 2028.

The north section is managed by the Forestry Agency. The first phase, which restored the "Taihoku Branch Forest Office Lodging," opened in August last year. The remaining three dormitories are undergoing a second phase of restoration, costing 79.68 million yuan, which began in May and is expected to finish by June 2028. The south section is currently in the final planning stages, with preliminary proposals including guesthouses, dining facilities, and exhibition spaces. This phase requires an estimated 170 million yuan in restoration funds, with hopes to begin contracting by the end of this year.

Chiang emphasized his long-standing commitment to revitalizing the Fengyuan Forestry Bureau dormitories, a designated municipal historical site. He noted that the south section, designated a historical building in 2015, had remained stagnant until recently. Following his intervention with the Ministry of Finance, maintenance efforts began, and funding for restoration is now allocated.

Chiang envisions the completed complex, along with the nearby 八仙山 Forestry Dormitories, being connected via railway and cycling paths to other historical sites like the Tanzih Farmers' Association Granary and Taichung Station's Xinmin Warehouse. This network aims to create a significant base for Taichung's cultural revival and serve as a new gateway, driving growth in local culture, tourism, and industry. Discussions are ongoing between central and local governments regarding the future use of the revitalized spaces.

Looking ahead, Chiang outlined future urban development plans for the former Taichung County government area, proposing the current Health Bureau building be redeveloped into a health complex and the former County Council building be transformed into a startup incubator to support young entrepreneurs. His vision is to "let culture set the stage, and the economy perform," creating a "cultural grand connection" for Fengyuan's innovation.