Representatives from the Guangzhou Urban Planning & Design Survey Research Institute (GZPI) attended and shared their experiences at the Regional Peer-Learning and Action Planning Workshop on Urban Renewal in Historic Town Centers and Public Space Improvement in Jakarta, Indonesia, from July 17 to 19.

Organized by United Cities and Local Government (UCLG), UCLG Asia-Pacific (UCLG-ASPAC), Connective Cities, and the Jakarta Provincial Government, this event attracted more than 50 officials and experts from across the globe including those from China, Germany, Nepal and the Philippines.  

It was a closed-door meeting including three sessions: case studies, thematic workshops and seminars on Jakarta's historic centers.

During the meeting, participants shared good practices and experiences on public space improvement and had in-depth discussions on planning and development of the preservation of historic centers, public space transformation of historic centers, the establishment of the urban walking system and governmental operations and the management of historic centers construction.

Participants take a group photo after a visit in historic center of Kota tua, in Jakarta, Indonesia, on July 17.

Availing of the international influence of UCLG, Guangzhou has played an active part in demonstrating its achievements of refined and high-quality urban construction practices to the world.

During the session, six cities – Guangzhou (China), Berlin (Germany), Nuremberg (Germany), Makati City (the Philippines), Solo (Indonesia) and Semarang (Indonesia), shared their experiences of the successful public space improvement of historic centers and proposed advice on the renewal of Kota tua, Jakarta.

At the workshop, representatives, Sun Zebin and Chen Zhibin, from GZPI delivered a presentation entitled Refined and High-quality Practice--Street Design and Demonstration of West Yangjiang Road along Pearl River in Guangzhou. Focusing on the good practices of Guangzhou, they highlighted public participation, democratic decision-making, government support during the implementation of the initiative and put forward ideas and plans for historic centers in Jakarta.

Representatives from the Guangzhou Urban Planning & Design Survey Research Institute share Guangzhou experience on urban renewal at the Regional Peer-Learning and Action Planning Workshop on Urban Renewal in Historic Town Centers and Public Space Improvement in Jakarta, Indonesia on July 18.

Introduction of the initiative--Street Design and Demonstration of West Yangjiang Road along Pearl River in Guangzhou:

With GZPI as a technical guide, the initiative integrated design and construction through different fields, including landscape, transportation, buildings, lighting and drainage. It is recognized as a demonstration project for creating "refined and high-quality" urban environment and it's expected to complete by the end of this year.

Up until now, significant progress has been made. The original confined and cluttered riverside has been transformed into pleasant urban public space. In addition, the improved transportation system and pedestrian space has been well received by people from all walks of life, becoming a highlight of the city.