REDEVELOPMENT OF WESTERN PART OF KONOHANA SEAFRONT AREA-REVITALISATION OF OBSOLETE PORT AREAS

摘要

More than ten years ago, the port's distribution facilities were relocated to newly reclaimed land, resulting in a number of vacant lots. In response to this, the reorganisation and revitalisation of the district became an issue, and work began on the redevelopment. The Tempozan Harbour Village was developed in 1990, and is now a thriving entertainment district, home to an extensive shopping centre, hotels, a museum and the world-class Osaka Aquarium. Citizens flock to the area whenever a luxury liner docks at the adjacent Tempozan Passenger Terminal. Located in the north west of Osaka Bay, the West Konohana District possesses great potential in terms of rail and road access. In keeping with the aims of the "International Visitor-Friendly City, Osaka" plan, the municipal government has, since 1995, invested 96.9 billion yen toward the redevelopment of a 156 ha area. At the centre of this redevelopment is the Hollywood theme park Universal Studios Japan, which opened on 31st March 2001. Built on 54 ha of consolidated land, the total cost of the project is estimated at 200 billion yen. Related industries, including hotels, retail outlets and IT businesses continue to settle in the district adjacent to the park and the new Universal City train station. Shuttle-boat access to the area is available to the south of the park at Universal City Port. The success of Universal Studios Japan, which reached its projected annual attendance of 8 million guests only eight months after opening, stands as a testament to the benefits of redevelopment.