The Macao SAR Government announced the establishment of a “District Development Center” that will be responsible for the planning and execution of revitalization initiatives for old districts – an endeavor previously assigned to Macau’s six concessionaires.
Under the new policy, the concessionaires will no longer independently implement revitalization projects with responsibility transitioning to the center.
The new approach to revitalizing old districts comprises three pillars: government oversight and coordination, resource investment by concessionaires, and planning and implementation by community organizations.
The District Development Center is to be established by a community organization. During Monday’s launch ceremony, the government announced that the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau (UGAMM) will operate the center, marking a new phase in old district revitalization.
It also explained that the center will feature a Steering Committee and an Advisory Panel, serving deliberative and consultative functions respectively.
The Steering Committee will comprise 14 representatives from government, community organizations and the business sector, responsible for reviewing and guiding district development projects, while the Advisory Panel will consist of 18 representatives from concessionaires, the business community, tourism sector, cultural and communications fields, urban planning and academia, providing professional advice and technical support for district development.
The District Development Center’s primary functions include community research, planning and executing initiatives, facilitating multi-party collaboration, promoting public participation, establishing feedback mechanisms and enhancing district visibility and appeal through integrated traditional and digital marketing – comprehensively serving district development needs.
The government’s latest proposal marks a fundamental shift from the previous model where each old district was managed by a single gaming concessionaire.
Chan Ka Leong, President of UGAMM, stated during a media interview on Monday, “The new model will no longer involve six integrated tourism and leisure enterprises (concessionaires) operating independently.
“The revitalization plan will span seven years. Preliminary concepts have been developed, categorizing the six former districts into three distinct groups.”
The three groups are: the historical and cultural zone centered around the Ruins of St. Paul’s; the industrial heritage zone (Lai Chi Vun Shipyard and Iec Long Firecracker Factory); and the A-Ma area, developed around maritime and folk belief cultures.
Chan further noted that the District Development Center will convene its first working meeting in early January next year.
The revitalization plans undertaken by the six Macau concessionaires were formulated by the previous Macao SAR Government as part of the concessionaires’ non-gaming investment requirements under the new Gaming Law. The six areas identified for transformation included Lai Chi Vun Shipyard, Rua da Felicidade, the A-Ma area, Inner Harbour Piers 23 and 25, Avenida do Almeida Ribeiro and Rua de Cinco de Outubro, as well as the Iec Long Firecracker Factory – each overseen by one of the six concessionaires.
However, after the new government took office, the relevant plan was revised. In November, Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, Tai Kin Ip, mentioned that the government planned to introduce a new model to fully leverage the advantages of old districts in all aspects.
