Xizhi Zhongzheng Market renovation tops out, targets year-end completion

New Taipei City's Xizhi District Zhongzheng Market, a fixture for over five decades, has reached a significant construction milestone with a topping-out ceremony for its extensive renovation. City officials, including Mayor Hou Yu-ih, celebrated the event, underscoring the project's aim to complete and open the modernized market by the end of the year.

The NT$300 million (approximately $9.2 million USD) redevelopment will convert the aging market into a three-story structure with an underground level. The basement will house a bomb shelter and parking facilities. The first floor will feature a contemporary market layout with enhanced ventilation, drainage, and refrigeration systems, optimizing the shopping flow and environment for various goods.

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I grew up in a wet market and know that markets carry not only daily necessities but also local emotions and urban memories.

Beyond essential market functions, the second and third floors are designated for a scenic restaurant and shared community spaces. The restaurant is designed to offer views of the Keelung River and local birdlife, integrating leisure, dining, and ecological education into the market's offerings. Mayor Hou emphasized the market's role beyond commerce, highlighting its importance for local sentiment and urban memory, and the need to attract younger generations with safe, comfortable, and appealing environments.

This project is part of New Taipei City's broader market renovation plan, which has seen nearly NT$7 billion invested since 2019 to upgrade 15 markets and initiate new construction or renovation on 10 others. The Xizhi Zhongzheng Market's completion by year-end will be followed by the finishing of renovations at Xinzhuang First Market and Sanchong Guangming Market, with Xinzhuang Xinghua Market set to open in October.

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Therefore, market transformation and upgrading, in addition to improving basic facilities such as environmental hygiene, must also allow traditional markets to retain their warmth and vitality. Only by creating a safe, comfortable, convenient, and attractive market environment can young people be willing to enter the market.