Taichung’s old town area is set to see fresh revitalization! In accordance with the Act for the Promotion of Private Participation in Infrastructure Projects, the Taichung City Government has selected Chanyee Cultural and Creative Life Corporation, Limited as the best applicant for the ROT project concerning the historic sites of the Daiton District Office and the Taichung Prefectural Hall’s building complex. With contract negotiation now completed, it is hoped that the presence of a prominent brand will breathe new artistic and cultural life and energy into the old town area.
According to the Taichung City Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau, the historic sites of the Daiton District Office and the Taichung Prefectural Hall’s building complex lie at the core of Taichung’s old town area. Initially a Qing dynasty examination hall, it became a regional government office during the period of Japanese rule, marking it as a central site in Taichung’s early administrative history. In the post-war era, it was used as Xian Guang Seventh Village and as the Taichung Military Broadcasting Station. It has witnessed the social and historical changes of Taichung over time.
The Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that, following its recent restoration, the Daiton District Office and the Taichung Prefectural Hall’s building complex have regained public attention. Its prime location, just a short 7-minute drive from Taichung Station, has drawn significant interest from numerous reputable companies for the right of management. After a selection process by an expert panel appointed by the city government, the Chanyee Cultural and Creative Life, a brand under the esteemed Chanyee Group, was selected.
The incoming business operator, the Chanyee Group, is well-established across multiple sectors such as construction, hospitality, food services, art and design, and tourism planning. Their vision for revitalizing the cultural assets adopts a “clustered community” model, aiming to integrate local revitalization, youth entrepreneurship incubation hub and arts and cultural exchange as the direction in operational planning. This includes the introduction of bookstore cafés, dining options, art exhibitions, and immersive lifestyle experiences, winning strong approval from the selection panel.
The Cultural Heritage Department of Taichung City noted that the Daiton District Office and the Taichung Prefectural Hall’s building complex are steeped in memories of generations past. By welcoming a contemporary enterprise with strong business acumen and innovative ideas, they aim to reinvigorate these cultural assets in the old town area, spurring overall revitalization and renewal.
The Cultural Heritage Department added that this outsourced project specifically adopts ESG sustainability indicators, marking the first time Taichung has integrated sustainable practices with cultural asset operations. This approach aims to foster cultural soft power in collaboration with the local community, as well as promoting a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship with the community. A 17-year entrusted operation and management contract will be signed with Chanyee Cultural and Creative Life. Through capital investment from a private enterprise, the cultural asset venues in this area will be optimized and operated, connecting the surrounding sites. Step by step, this will create a cultural town within the city, making it the most representative cultural asset revitalization highlight for the historical space utilization in Taichung.