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While the visual future of Shanghai will be dominated by it¡¯s prolific and varied skyline, repute as an international city may rely less on this aspect. As modern infrastructure supplies the resource for international business, much of the historical building should form an integral part of the cities¡¯ quest for international recognition.
As Shanghai¡¯s economy broadens towards the service industry, so too has demand for different types of office. The impressive modern developments in Pudong and Puxi, such as The Center, KWAH Center and Corporate Avenue have been vital in providing large-scale international quality infrastructure. However, these developments are not proving distinctive or flexible enough for many of the service and creative firms locating in Shanghai.
As discussed in September, there are emerging examples of development in Shanghai¡¯s warehouses and old factories for office space. But in reality, examples of this remain limited and isolated. Mainly due to a lack of landlord co-ordination and development input. This article will look at some further areas where individual and government initiative has started to broaden the scope of property available. These providers not only offer the market a compelling product, but importantly contribute to the future potential of Shanghai as an international metropolis.
The Luwan government has been one of the most active in the area of redeveloping older property assets. With its portfolio of public housing stock and commercial buildings spanning much of the eastern half of the former French Concession area, it is a strategically important location. Developments managed by the Land and Housing Department responsible for these assets include a series of villas along Ruijin Rd., which have been meticulously restored for commercial use as well as further properties along both Nanchang Rd. and Fuxing Rd. In each case, former residential properties have been reconfigured for use as commercial offices.
¡°Rijin Rd Villas¡±
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In addition to a policy of reconfiguring historic buildings, there has also been an enlightened approach to new commercial construction. Most evident from the change away from high-rise commercial buildings to more unusual high grade low-rise office and commercial buildings. Again, these have proved popular with companies looking for image and brand differentiation, such as US furniture design company Steelcase, who took space on Sinan Rd. Here, a five story building combining glass and natural stone, offers an alternative image in Grade-A style accommodation. |
¡°Chic in the trees¡±
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Perhaps most striking of the Luwan government partnerships is that on Shaoxing Rd. where an old warehouse has been redeveloped as a centre for advertising companies. Branded as ¡®Adbay¡¯ under the general management of Gilbert Yang, this space has been designated as a centre to develop Shanghai¡¯s advertising industry. As Mr. Yang states ¡°Adbay¡¯s mission is to serve as a centre for the Chinese advertising industry...we want to create a hub for the industry to work, meet and undertake research. In addition, the centre also provides training facilities and regular workshops¡±. The essence of this space is to foster creativity through alternative working spaces. |
¡°Advertising Creativity¡±
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However, this is not just a story of success. Large numbers of buildings and some areas still suffer from a lack of co-ordinated policy. Despite the attention grabbing redevelopments along the Bund, much of the impressive architecture immediately behind the Bund remains woefully neglected. In part this can be put down to timing ¨C the halo effect of nearby development has not filtered to these areas. Corporate inactivity is also to blame. Certain properties of iconic status, remain ¡®privately¡¯ on the market. This means, landlords might do a deal if you can find the space ¨C they certainly make to effort to put it into the market. Elsewhere, private deals between landlords and associated parties mean very impressive spaces are taken by companies who have neither the resources nor the business requirement, to fully utilize them. |
It would be worth Shanghai bearing in mind, when it thinks about Expo redevelopment, it is not just new buildings the world wants to see. This point was forcibly made when a couple of friends of mine visited from Hong Kong. Already an established financial and services centre, they still couldn¡¯t help marvelling at the diversity and contrast ¨C from ultra modern to historic - which, along with its energy and cultural diversity, embodied the colour of Shanghai.
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