Features

Design partners sought for new arena in Taiwan

The Taichung City Government has launched a tender process to secure a design and planning team for the development of a new 15,500-capacity arena.

The Taipei Times newspaper said the Taichung Arena project is intended to commence construction in 2022, with Lu Shiow-yen, Mayor of the Taiwanese city, determined to begin work, which has long been delayed, during her term of office.

The NT$6.5bn (£165.7m/€196.8m/$214.2m) arena is intended to host sports events such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, futsal and combat sports, along with cultural events and concerts. Land has already been reserved for the project near the Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium (pictured), which was yesterday (Tuesday) announced as one of five venues for the 2021 World Baseball Classic.

The Taichung Housing Development Department has said a two-stage process will be conducted, with five bidders to be shortlisted after a first-round document review. The application process for the first phase runs through to March 31.

Bidders must be represented by practicing architecture firms in Taiwan, but foreign companies are permitted to partner with local firms to participate. Local authorities hope that the arena will be developed by 2026.

Image: Taichung City Government