Modernization claims Wujiang Road, demolition to be completed by end of March
- Source: Global Times
- [15:17 March 01 2010]
- Comments
By Chen Xiaoru
A demolished neighborhood along Wujiang Road. Photo: Global Times
“The head of Jing’an district has ordered the demolition of Wujiang Road to be completed before the end of March,” Ge Peimeng, a spokesman for the demolition squad told Global Times on Thursday.
Both ends of the road have been closed, leaving only a small entrance for 20 or so remaining residents and shop owners, according to Ge.
Many local residents are upset that the staple snack street will be demolished to make way for more urban sprawl. “I have to find another place to buy breakfast now,” said a senior resident living nearby.
Ian, a local British expat, expressed regret at the changes. “The road has particular things that stand for ‘old Shanghai,’ but the new street could be any street in a metropolis.”
The reconstruction of Wujiang Road kicked off in March 2005 with its western section, giving it a makeover in June 2008. “It’s modern and westernized. But personally I still prefer the eastern section, which remained a haven for Chinese snacks,” said Cai Xue, a local resident.
Demolition of the remaining eastern section of Wujiang Road was postponed for a year, according to a report by Oriental Morning Post.
“Most of the compensation has been taken by the main tenant. What we get is far from enough to cover our losses,” said Ling Yongbin, manager of Northwestern Wolf, a popular barbecue shop on Wujiang Road that has been forced to move to the already reconstructed western section.
“The rent here is much higher, and we have lost a lot of old customers since we moved here,” complained Ling.
According to Ge, most store owners on the road rented houses from those main tenants, as many owners settle overseas.
“The house owners definitely get the biggest share of the compensation, and the main tenants will get a certain sum according to the size of the store since they invested in decoration,” said Ge, refusing to reveal specific figures.
According to the plan, modern department stores and hotels will be built in the area.
