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CHINA> Special Reports
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Xiaoyaowan development back on course after 8-year hiatus
By Zhang Ranran (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-09-10 08:51
A key part of the nation's development strategy to further open up Liaoning's coastal economic zone and the local government's initiative to revitalize the old industrial centers in northeast China, work began on the Xiaoyaowan International Business Center on the last day of 2008. Despite the pressures of the current uncertainties in the world economy, the construction began last year amid considerable confidence and a sense of historic purpose by the members of the Administrative Committee of the Dalian Development Area (DDA). The center is a landmark project to mark the commencement of the construction of a future central business district in Xiaoyaowan. As a new central business district (CBD), the Xiaoyaowan International Business Center is expected to play a pivotal role in linking Dalian's old urban areas, the city's various industrial zones and the neighboring port of Dayaowan. Central position Xiaoyaowan is located in the center of the Dalian Development Area. It is close to the Yellow Sea, with the neighboring Dayaowan port and bonded area to the west and the Jinshitan Beach - a renowned tourism destination - to the east. The development plan of the area will focus on such fields as finance, trade, service, administration, entertainment, exhibitions, sports and real estate. The initial planning of Xiaoyaowan's development started in 1990, when the program was included in Dalian's general plan for new urban construction. Four years later, Xiaoyaowan was formally designated as the central part of the new urban area, with the approval of the standing committees of the People's Congress of Dalian. In May 1994, the local government confirmed the role of Xiaoyaowan as the proposed CBD of the city. In 2000, the Administrative Committee of the Dalian Economic and Technological Development Zone invited specialists from Singapore, Australia and Taiwan to refine the planning of the development. The development program of the area, though, was subsequently delayed for eight years. Planning for the program started again in June 2008, echoing the national plan to develop the coastal economic zone in Liaoning, encompassing the province's five coastal cities, including Dalian. The development planning of the area was finalized with the help of three renowned design institutes from China and overseas. Comprehensive facilities The construction of the Xiaoyaowan International Business Center is viewed by local authorities as another "trump card" for Dalian as it bids to raise its global profile. The Xiaoyaowan International Business Center has been designed to be a multi-functional development for commerce, exhibition, leisure and living. The entire extent of the center covers 15 sq km, with the buildings being constructed there having a total floor space of 15 million sq m. The core area will cover 1.69 sq km, which will house buildings of up to 3.25 million sq m in total floor space. To improve the living environment, the Business Center will include such facilities as a coastal park, a large bathing beach and several yacht harbors, which will be open to the public upon completion. A large-scale residential community, complete with service facilities, including shopping malls, sports venues, hospitals and schools, will be built to the east of the center. With respect to traffic facilities, eight main roads and 12 minor roads will be built in the area. Public transport facilities, including subways and buses, will be available at the center. Based on a "human-centric" principle, there will also be adequate facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. Car parks and pipeline works will be mostly built underground to save space. To take full advantage of the neighboring ocean space, four yacht harbors will be built, including one that can berth ships with a deadweight tonnage surpassing 10,000 tons and be capable of receiving international tourists. In terms of layout, the Xiaoyaowan International Business Center is a huge development stretching from the west to the east. In the center is the core area of the central business district. The western part is termed the "central service district" for the port - due to its closeness to the Dayaowan port and bonded area. The eastern part is named the "central innovation district" as it will house a number of research and development facilities. This area is now called "Dalian's Pudong" by the locals -a reference to a similar district in Shanghai. Upon its completion, the Xiaoyaowan area is expected to become a showcase for the opening-up of Dalian as well as the entire northeast of China. Construction of infrastructure projects, including residential, commercial, entertainment and administration facilities, will start at the end of this year or the beginning of next year. The initial stage of the development will be completed within three years. In about 10 years time, the area is expected to become a CBD with an international status and a new landmark of Dalian.
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