Over the next 17 years, Bangkok will become greener and offer a more urban-friendly environment for residents and commuters as plans fall into place to remake Thailand’s capital.
The Chao Phraya River is an integral part of plans for beautifying the capital ahead of its 250th anniversary. (Photo by Krit Promsaka na Sakolnakorn)
Urban Design and Development Centre (UDDC) was hired last year to work on the so-called “Kadeejeen-Khlong San” restoration scheme as part of a plan to make the city more appealing for its 250th birthday in 2032, otherwise known as “Bangkok250”.
Using the “foresight technique” to map out restoration plans for various neighbourhoods allows UDDC to imagine what the city will look like in the future and to explore potential development.
According to the UDDC’s director Niramon Kulsrisombat, 24 areas in the city have the potential to be become protected neighbourhoods. Five have been selected to serve as pilot schemes for the project.
The first project is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, the so-called Kadeejeen neighbourhood where the 700-metre long riverside walkway will be improved. Safer public infrastructure, rest spots and better pedestrian access from land and river are part of the plan.
The second project includes setting up an information centre for river cruises and bicycle tours under Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge. The project also involves improving the standards of piers and the resurfacing of roads.
The construction of the riverside corridor in Khlong San neighborhood, extending 400 metres from Phra Pok Klao Bridge to Tha Din Daeng Bridge, is the third plan. Transport infrastructure will be improved to make the area friendly to those who like to take long walks or enjoy cycling.
The fourth project involves converting the unfinished structure of the Lavalin Skytrain from 1984, which has a span of 250 metres and is located alongside the inbound and outbound lanes of Phra Pok Klao Bridge. This will become a sky park. Walkways will be built and green spaces will be added to the area.
The fifth project involves landscape improvement to parts of Tha Din Daeng. The plan also includes improvements to transport infrastructure and public transit systems.
The five projects have been well received by the majority of the people, according to Ms Niramon. A public session was held last week at a hotel where 200 people discussed the projects.
Ms Niramon said that in the end the local residents will benefit from the pilot projects. Improvements will be made that cater to their needs.
Being strategically located, the development spaces along the Chao Phraya River are ideal for social and economic activities, Ms Niramon noted.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has given the nod for the first three projects of the Kadeejeen and Khlong San restoration scheme.
The design work for the approved plans is already completed, Ms Niramon said, adding the two other plans are in the pipeline.
The five projects will focus on adding more green space to the areas, improving transport infrastructure to allow easy access to riverside corridors and enhancing the beauty of the landscape, Ms Niramon said, adding the inner-city areas are not easily accessible now due to traffic congestion and dense populations.
“These elements will help to boost tourism and the economies in the areas and make them healthier to live in,” she said.
What makes the Kadeejeen and Khlong San neighborhoods perfect for restoration is their colourful history and diversity of culture, not to mention economic potential, Ms Niramon said.
Several investors have shown an interest in investing in residential projects in the areas. Meanwhile, the neighbourhoods are also drawing the attention of conservationists and academics because of their rich heritage.
Earlier, a group of conservationists inspected the areas and collected information on what restoration work is needed. They explained the situation to residents, particularly the need for rehabilitation and preservation.
Zones with high potential for restoration and preservation include Rattanakosin Island, Thon Buri neighbourhoods, Pathumwan-Bang Rak commercial and business centre, communities in Yannawa-Bang Kholaem, the central business district in the Taksin neighbourhood, various state offices and local communities in Dusit and Phaya Thai and communities in Charan Sanitwong.
Ms Niramon said the company was promoting public involvement to ensure sustainable development. It is reflected in brainstorming sessions which are attended by joint working groups that include the public, state officials at all levels, academics and activists to ensure the best possible plans.
District authorities are examining the reports presented by UDDC, said Vanchai Thanomsak, head of the Department of City Planning.
Their comments and suggestions will be submitted to the BMA for consideration and for discussion on the issue of city regulations covering conservation, he said.
The good point about the UDDC’s studies are that they cover specific protected historical areas which need rehabilitation, Mr Vanchai said.
Existing city planning is broad and general, he said, adding that the amount of data provided in the UDDC studies narrows it down, making it more practical for each area to be rehabilitated.
The city planning studies by UDDC will provide areas of improvement for 50 districts, marking the country’s first city planning effort to be designed for each area.
Mr Vanchai insisted that the city planning push by the UDDC will not overlap with the development plan for the country.
Speaking last week at a findings presentation, Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said restoration work in the inner city was not easy.
“Things must be done in the right manner. Effort by locals and authorities must be made in a collaborative manner,” he said, adding the inner city is densely populated with many important historical sites that have sentimental value to the locals.
MR Sukhumbhand admitted work may not be carried out as quickly as the locals expect but he said he is trying hard to ensure the project is finished on time.
“We need to make the city more liveable, enjoyable and sustainable,” he said.
The unfinished structure of the Lavalin Skytrain project from 1984 next to the Phra Pok Klao bridge will be turned into a garden. Bangkok Post Photo