Yilan HSR area plan envisions nation's only seaside station, 1,000 social housing units

A draft urban plan for the Yilan High-Speed Rail (HSR) specific area has been finalized, with aspirations to create a unique station experience. The plan designates a scenic axis towards Guishan Island, positioning Yilan Station to be the only HSR station in Taiwan offering direct sea views.

The project, commissioned by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications' Railway Bureau and undertaken by the Yilan County Government, covers 420 hectares. It stretches from Beibin Road in the north to the Lanyang River levee in the south, and from National Freeway 5 in the east to Zhongshan Road in the west. The HSR station itself will occupy 40 hectares, featuring a three-story, approximately 15-meter-high platform designed to frame the view of the sea and Guishan Island, a significant spiritual symbol for Yilan.

Beyond its scenic appeal, the plan incorporates substantial development for housing and industry. Approximately 50 to 70 hectares are designated for industrial use to complement the Yilan Science Park's industrial corridor and foster industry clustering. Crucially, 10 hectares are allocated for social welfare facilities, including 1.5 hectares specifically for social housing, which is expected to yield at least 1,000 units. Additionally, 10 hectares are zoned for commercial use, with 1.5 hectares reserved for a convention and exhibition center.

Overall, 40% of the 420-hectare area will be dedicated to public facilities such as parks, green spaces, parking lots, roads, and schools. The Yilan County Government stated that following the Executive Yuan's approval of the HSR project, the urban plan will undergo public exhibition to gather opinions from various sectors before being submitted to the Urban Planning Commission for discussion.