Taipei Prosecutors Office plans new building with community green space and art zone

Taipei's District Prosecutors Office is set to construct a new building to accommodate its growing workload and judicial protection services. The existing facilities are insufficient and scattered, prompting the Ministry of Justice to approve the new construction in 2021. The proposed site is at the intersection of Zhonghua Road, Guiyang Street, and Yanping South Road.

During a recent community meeting, the second of its kind, local residents shared their concerns regarding traffic impact, protest management, and neighborhood benefits. The first meeting in October last year gathered initial feedback. An engineering consultant presented traffic impact assessments, predicting minimal disruption due to the project's low development intensity as an office building.

The police addressed concerns about protests, stating that Changsha Street, Yanping South Road, and Guiyang Street are designated no-protest zones. Major roads like Zhonghua Road and Guiyang Street will remain accessible. The police affirmed strict enforcement against illegal protests to maintain public order. The prosecutors' office also proposed several community-focused initiatives. These include a 40-ping public space with a separate entrance for legal education, lectures, and charity sales for youth. A 264-ping outdoor green space along Guiyang Street will serve as a recreational area and urban garden. Additionally, the ground floor lobby will feature an art exhibition space showcasing local creations, works by former offenders, and public art, while also preserving historical memories of the site through art and digital means.

The office emphasized its commitment to addressing community feedback and plans to continue communication through various channels. They also intend to involve neighborhood leaders and residents in designing the community facilities. The goal is to integrate the characteristics of the Bo'ai Special Zone and local history and culture, fostering development in the Ximending commercial district and creating a win-win situation for both the community and the judicial authority.