Restoration of Historic Neiwan Police Station in Hsinchu County Begins, Completion Expected by 2028

(Central News Agency reporter Kuo Hsuan-wen, Hsinchu County, June 17) The historic Neiwan Police Station in Hsinchu County has suffered significant damage, including partial collapse of its wooden roof structure, due to years of neglect. Today, the Hsinchu County Cultural Bureau held a groundbreaking ceremony for its restoration, aiming for completion by 2028, with hopes of reviving the site’s historical charm.

According to the Hsinchu County Cultural Bureau, the Neiwan Police Station was originally built in 1907 at Guangji Temple. Damaged by wind and rain, it was reconstructed at its current location in 1938. The existing structure is a traditional Japanese-style wooden building featuring a hip roof (four-sloped) and rainboard wall construction, set in a scenic environment.

Today, the Hsinchu County Cultural Bureau hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for the restoration of the Neiwan Police Station. Attendees included Hakka Affairs Council Chairperson Ku Hsiu-fei, Hsinchu County Magistrate Yang Wen-ke, Cultural Bureau Director Chu Shu-min, and Kuomintang Hsinchu County Councilor Chang Liang-yin.

Director Chu told the Central News Agency that the Neiwan Police Station site includes a wooden police office (station), an alarm tower, and a brick-built dormitory. Located adjacent to Neiwan Station, it once served as a strategic vantage point for railway and village security patrols.

She explained that prolonged disrepair led to water leakage and termite infestation in wooden components, resulting in partial collapse of the roof’s wooden frame. The county government has sequentially completed the restoration plan, erected steel scaffolding for protection, conducted emergency repairs, and finalized restoration design. The project has been approved for funding by the Hakka Affairs Council.

Chu emphasized that the Neiwan Police Station is currently the most intact example of a Japanese-era police station in Hsinchu County. Upon completion, the site will be operated under a public-private partnership. The former dormitory will be reused as a backpacker hostel, while the brick building will serve as auxiliary facilities with restrooms, kitchen, and storage spaces.

Chairperson Ku stated in her speech that physical restoration is only the first step, and future operation and activation are crucial. The Hakka Affairs Council supports the Cultural Bureau’s plan to transform the site into a 'backpacker hostel,' leveraging its railway tourism advantage to attract overnight visitors and deepen local cultural experiences.

Magistrate Yang expressed hope that the revitalization of this historic space will draw tourist traffic to Neiwan, create local employment opportunities, and restore its former glory. (Edited by Chang Ming-kun) 1150617