Save Gulou! CHP Calls Public Meeting
Back in January we noted reports circulating in the Chinese media regarding plans “restore” the area around Gulou (aka the Drum Tower) and build an underground “Beijing Time Cultural City,” comprising restaurants, parking spaces, and a museum about timekeeping technology. We’ve had our ear to the ground since then but no-one seems to have received any further information on the redevelopment. Local NGO the Beijing Cultural Heritage Protection Center (CHP) are not resting on their laurels, however – they have called a public meeting at Contempio this Saturday (March 27) to discuss the proposal.
A statement issued by the NGO says: “CHP is organizing a special public event for Beijing citizens to exchange and voice their views about the planned redevelopment of the historic Drum and Bell Tower neighborhood. CHP is encouraging everyone to help protect this unique neighborhood for future generations to enjoy. The discussion will be led by several prominent Beijingers and open to the general public.”
CHP Communications Officer Jeanette Shepherd told the Beijinger: “We will use this event to gauge people's understanding and feelings about the development and also to come up with our next best steps.”
Speakers will include Dominic Johnson-Hill, Founder of Plastered T-Shirts, and He Shuzhong, CHP Founder and Chairman. Entry is free and open to all, but unfortunately the event will only be conducted in Chinese.
If you would like more information in English, please contact Jeanette on 6403 4932 ext. 607, or at: jeanetteshepherd@bjchp.org
You can read more about the CHP meeting here.
The site Heritage Key recently ran an article on the redevelopment. While it doesn’t contain anything new in terms of the project details, it does note divided opinions amongst residents:
“A store owner, who wished to remain anonymous, said she had little support for the project, adding that it will likely ruin the historical feel of the neighborhood… Yet many others in the area said they supported the project, even as they might be faced with the prospects of losing their businesses or homes. Some cited the expectation that they would be fairly compensated for their property, while others said it would be a major improvement for the city and neighborhood.”
Fair compensation? They might want to talk to their compatriots in Qianmen about that one…
Saving Gulou: Public meeting about the demolition threat to old Beijing; 2.30-5.30pm, Saturday 27 March; Contempio, No.4 Zhangwang Hutong, 北京市东城区旧鼓楼大街张旺胡同4号
