Urban Regeneration Changwon Test-bed Research was conducted over a period of three years (March 2011 to April 2014). The purpose of this research was to construct an urban regeneration model suitable for Korea using urban regeneration methods that were conducted through a 5 year national R&D program. Target areas were Chang-dong·Odong-dong (144,000m2,Retaildistrict) and Nosan-dong(148,820m2, residential district); both populations saw declines of over 50% since 1985.
The Changwon TB project had three phases. During the first phase, research was concentrated on building a base to apply the self-supporting urban regeneration method. During this phase social consensus was developed, community organization was formed, and an urban regeneration center was established for the urban revitalization project. During the second phase, focus was placed in selecting appropriate urban regeneration methods for the subject revitalization project. In the third phase, a self-supporting urban regeneration manual was developed using the results from technique application. The formation of foundations for self-help communities, who lead the project, was emphasized.
The Changwon Urban Regeneration Center, formed as a support institution, is the main organization for Changwon TB project. It is a bridge between residents, social and administrative organizations, and experts in the field; they mutually support community-based urban regeneration projects by applying urban regeneration methods, creating self-supporting urban regeneration projects, and building green regeneration systems. The project must be observed in order to facilitate improvement of the urban regeneration projects, along with the construction of a continual monitoring system. For the last two years, average hourly traffic volume increased 88% on weekdays, and 50% on weekends. Vacant retail spaces decreased from 187 to 87, with 130 new businesses opened. Participation and satisfaction of residential communities are still insufficient, but continue to grow.
Urban regeneration is an urban improvement method led by communities to solve social, cultural, and economic issues. The Changwon TB is building a community-led urban regeneration system. Retail leaders in the region formed ‘Goalpogonghwaguk’ to establish a cooperative with existing retail organizations. This cooperative system operates the 2nd community business store ‘Bookcafe’, where they sell products from the 1st community business to establish stable in come. All these activities are led by volunteers in the communities.
Changwon City is legislating ‘Changwon Urban Regeneration Support Ordinance’. A number of Changwon residents have made agreements on traditional famous stores and streets, rules for community business volunteers, and rule for managing street galleries. The Changwon urban regeneration TB projects show promise in becoming a historical milestone in creating a Korean urban regeneration model.