National Children's Future Hall Construction Bidding Announced: Hou You-ih Hails It as a Key Landmark for New Taipei City

According to Central News Agency, the construction project for the National Children's Future Hall has been officially announced for public bidding online. New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-ih stated today that 'better late than never,' expressing hope that the central and local governments will work hand-in-hand, understand local needs and suggestions, and turn the National Children's Future Hall into a significant landmark for New Taipei City.

The Executive Yuan has approved the construction of Taiwan's first children-centered National Children's Future Hall on the 'Xinban Special District Zone 3 Specific Use Area' adjacent to Banqiao Station in New Taipei City. The tender notice for the new construction project, valued at NT$9.54 billion, was posted online on August 5.

While visiting local infrastructure projects in Ruifang District today, Mayor Hou responded to media inquiries about the project finally moving forward after eight years of delays.

Hou said the concept of a 'Children's Future Hall' has been discussed for far too long. The Xinban Special Zone is Banqiao's prime real estate, adjacent to critical transportation hubs including Taiwan Railways, the High-Speed Rail, the MRT, and intercity bus terminals. He said he passes by the site daily and has long felt heartache and helplessness seeing the land remain undeveloped. Upon hearing the news of the bidding announcement, he remarked, 'Better late than never.'

Hou emphasized that the overall planning should fulfill the hopes of families and children, and urged the central government to collaborate closely with local authorities, understand regional needs and suggestions, and ensure the National Children's Future Hall becomes another major landmark for New Taipei City.

According to information released by the Ministry of Culture, the National Children's Future Hall will be a cross-border collaboration between Taiwan's architects Chang Yui-lung and Chen Yu-lin and renowned Japanese architect Toyo Ito. The building will cover a total area of 28,000 ping (approximately 92,580 square meters), integrating diverse elements such as nature, ecology, art, technology, and play.