Taichung Super Dome's location in Water湳 sparks traffic concerns

Taichung City Councilor Chang Fen-yu has raised concerns about the potential traffic chaos that could ensue once the planned "Super Giant Dome" in the Water湳 Economic and Trade Park opens. The project, which has selected Taiwan Life as the preferred applicant, is set to include not only a main stadium capable of seating approximately 45,000 people but also two hotels and what is described as Taiwan's largest department store.

Chang Fen-yu questioned the feasibility of accommodating the massive influx of visitors and vehicles in the Water湳 area, especially given the park's original development vision centered on "smart, low-carbon, and innovative" principles. The sheer scale of the proposed facilities, including the stadium, hotels, and retail complex, could transform the area into a major event hub, potentially contradicting its initial low-carbon goals and severely straining existing infrastructure.

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The Water湳 Economic and Trade Park's overall development positioning is 'smart, low-carbon, and innovative.' With a giant dome, hotels, and a department store, it will become a large gathering area for events, losing its original intent and becoming difficult to handle traffic flow.

City officials, including Sports Bureau Director You Chih-hsiang, acknowledged that the project is still in the negotiation phase. They assured that the plans mandate the inclusion of substantial public service parking facilities, estimating at least 4,450 car parking spaces and 4,541 motorcycle parking spaces. However, councilors like Chang Fen-yu remain unconvinced that these measures will be sufficient to mitigate the anticipated traffic congestion.

Further adding to the debate, Chang Fen-yu pointed out that Taiwan Life announced its selection as the preferred applicant for the large-scale sports industry BOT project on June 10, a detail not included in the Sports Bureau's report. The total investment is nearly NT$60 billion, with the stadium expected to be completed within seven years of signing the contract, aiming for a 2031 opening. The councilor urged the city government to ensure the negotiations prioritize citizen benefits, such as incorporating more public facilities, and to integrate a comprehensive traffic management plan, potentially including autonomous bus services, into the project's final agreement.

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The Super Dome is still in the negotiation stage, including the review of the investment plan, suggestions, and detailed discussions. The plan requires the allocation of public service parking facilities, providing at least 4,450 car parking spaces and 4,541 motorcycle parking spaces.