Taoyuan mayor touts Longtan science park plans, with TSMC set to take all third-phase land

Taoyuan Mayor Chang San-cheng is presenting the third phase of Longtan Science Park as a project that requires the city to build its supporting infrastructure before the workers arrive.

The 104-hectare site is planned for several advanced-process semiconductor plants to be built by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. The development proposal has been submitted by the National Science and Technology Council to the Executive Yuan, and Taoyuan hopes to secure approval in September.

Chang said electricity would be the key condition for the project’s success. Taiwan Power Co. must build high-voltage transmission lines across private land and areas controlled by different central government agencies. Some routes involve the Ministry of National Defense. Coordination, helped by legislator Lu Yu-ling, is nearing completion, he said.

The city is also planning for new demand in education, housing and transport. Delong Elementary School is planned to move because of the science park, while preparations have begun for Longke Elementary School on a site west of Shengting Road, outside the third-phase area. Land acquisition is under way.

Chang said suppliers could require about 100 additional hectares beyond the main site. The city is reviewing nearby urban plans and believes about 50 hectares could absorb some industrial spillover. A private proposal for the 17-hectare Meilong Industrial Park south of the site is undergoing land consolidation, with a feasibility plan expected in September or October. Future plans also envisage the Orange Line metro beginning at Longtan Science Park. Chang urged residents to view the development rationally and not use it to speculate on land or housing.