Futureproofing Ageing Infrastructure Roundtable

The Centre for Liveable Cities and the Seoul Institute (SI) co-organised the Futureproofing Ageing Infrastructure roundtable in May 2024, involving participants from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Housing Development Board (HDB), and Jurong Town Corporation (JTC), along with representatives from Seoul Housing (SH). The roundtable aimed to share policy frameworks and experiences in managing ageing infrastructure, discussing mutual issues, and learning points related to rejuvenation efforts.

Singapore and Seoul put forth rich presentations as part of the roundtable; JTC and URA shared examples of adaptively reused buildings in Singapore, such as the Subordinate Courts and Warehouse Hotel, and Jurong Town Hall. URA highlighted the conservation of the Golden Mile Complex through stakeholder engagement, while JTC presented their Smart Facilities Management Journey, focusing on innovations to address challenges like an ageing working population and rising costs. HDB discussed public housing rejuvenation programmes, emphasising façade safety and various upgrade initiatives.

SI addressed the challenges of Seoul's infrastructure expansion since the 1970s, such as regional disconnection and pollution, and highlighted efforts to redesign infrastructure for pedestrian-centric spaces and underground development. SH presented plans to revitalise 34 ageing public lease housing complexes, focusing on expanding affordable housing, diversifying housing types, and improving local convenience and image. SI also emphasised automated inspections and performance-based maintenance for ageing infrastructure, while SH showcased IoT technology for real-time monitoring and maintenance of apartment mechanical equipment.

As part of the roundtable, site visits were organised to showcase rejuvenation efforts in ageing districts in Seoul, including Changdong-Sanggye New Economic Centre, Seongsu-dong, Hae Bang Chon Emerging Market, and Nowon-gu Hagye 5 Public Housing Complex. These visits demonstrated the importance of public-private collaboration and strategic urban planning, highlighting mixed-use districts that integrate offices, retail, housing, and transport hubs. Additionally, the Singapore delegation met with teams from Seoul Metropolitan Government overseeing climate and environmental policy and disaster safety policy to further understand Seoul’s decarbonisation efforts and the management of Seoul’s ageing infrastructure respectively.

The roundtable facilitated exciting and fruitful engagements between representatives from Singapore and Seoul, fostering a rich exchange of ideas on urban development and infrastructure management. It was particularly useful as it highlighted innovative strategies and technologies that can be adopted to enhance ageing infrastructure and address common challenges faced by both cities.

Construction of Regional Transport Node (Bottom left) & River with future improved connectivity in Changdong Sanggye

Sheltered Alleys in Hae Bang Chon, a subsidized community project

Revitalized Hae Bang Chon, with multiple cafes and bars