Work starts on another Red Town creative park
Construction has started on the Red Town 166 on 166 Hami Road, Changning District. Most of the current buildings will be preserved and undergo major renovations.
Construction has started on a new creative park in downtown that will be similar to the well-known Red Town on Huaihai Road W. that has been closed down.
The new project titled Red Town 166 in Changning District will include art galleries, a sculpture center, and boutique stores to become a new downtown cultural landmark, the district government said.
The operator of the original Red Town creative park will take charge of the new project on 166 Hami Road near Beixinjing Station on Metro Line 2 to ensure the artistic gene can be inherited, an official with the government said.
The site was previously occupied by a budget hotel and company houses until the authority decided the area, which is surrounded by a residential community, should be redeveloped.
According to the blueprint, Red Town 166 will mainly focus on arts and creative industries while incorporating art education and cultural recreation. "It will become an open and actively public community," the district government said.
Most of the current buildings will be preserved and receive major renovations. The former hotel, office and factory buildings will be home to art exhibitions and sculptures.
Construction has started on the Red Town 166 on 166 Hami Road in Changning District.
The practice follows that of the Red Town creative park on Huaihai Road W. which gained wide popularity. It had successfully converted the formerly Shanghai No. 10 Steel Factory into a home for art galleries, along with cafes, exhibition spaces and offices.
However, the original Red Town was closed in July to make way for urban development.
Red Town won plaudits for its endeavors in regenerating an old industrial area. Sculptures are scattered around the park and its artistic ambiance made it a favored place for residents to hang out.
The whole area is expected to become a commercial office complex, though with a cultural and artistic theme, once it begins operating in about five years. Construction is set to start by the end of this year.
