A newly renovated community adds a slide, which has proved popular among the local children. [Photo by Chen Xihan/Shanghai Observer]

Shanghai has launched a fresh phase of renovations targeting 300 blocks across the city, aiming to elevate the living standards of its residents. Scheduled for completion before 2027, this comprehensive project focuses on revitalizing public spaces by enhancing road facilities, street lighting, building facades, fitness equipment, green landscapes, and more.

The Shanghai Landscaping & City Appearance Administrative Bureau reported the completion of renovations on 52 blocks during the first half of this year, marking substantial progress in the ongoing endeavor. This latest initiative represents the third cycle of renovations since the inception of the program in 2018, with a total of 657 blocks having been transformed thus far.

Central to this round of renovations is a heightened emphasis on collaborative social governance involving residents. Authorities have established contact points in the core functional areas of each block, encouraging residents to engage with the renovation process by providing feedback and suggestions for improvements.

Gu, who lives on Changping Road, lauded the authorities for actively seeking community input, including insights into the historical background of the area and feedback on the renovation plans. Designers visited Gu's community to gather familial anecdotes and historical narratives ahead of the renovation as part of a personalized and community-centric approach to the revitalization efforts.

Yu Jinlong, representing the design company overseeing the project, expressed enthusiasm for engaging with residents, highlighting the potential for untold stories to spark creative inspiration. "We value our interactions with residents. Uncovering lesser-known narratives often serve as a wellspring of creativity," Yu said.

Wang Yongwen, director of the City Appearance Department at the Shanghai Landscaping & City Appearance Administrative Bureau, emphasized that the renovated blocks should transcend mere cleanliness, serving as functional spaces that encapsulate the unique stories and heritage of each locality.

Since the commencement of the project on Changping Road, authorities in Jing'an district have actively solicited feedback from local residents, receiving a total of 138 suggestions, of which approximately 85 percent have been incorporated into the renovation plans.

Source: Shanghai Observer