Shenzhen Golf Course, located in the city’s central business district (CBD) area, will be transformed into a public park in the future, according to a press release by the Urban Planning Board of Shenzhen (UPBSZ).

 

The announcement was posted on the board’s Web site www.szupb.gov.cn Friday, along with information about five other projects in Futian District.

 

The one-square-kilometer golf course is between Shennan Thoroughfare in the north and Binhe Road in the south, and between Xinzhou Road in the east and the Zhuzilin-Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway flyover in the west.

 

But the proposal did not elaborate on when the park will be built, but said the golf course will remain intact during the contracted period, the Daily Sunshine said.

 

The golf course occupies a vast area in one of Shenzhen’s most expensive neighborhoods. It was first built in 1985, and redesigned by Neil Haworth, a renowned golf course architect of Nelson & Haworth Architect Co. in 1997. According to law, the validity period for land being used commercially is 50 years.

 

The golf course has long been unpopular among Shenzhen residents, who regard it a symbol of the privilege the wealthy enjoy.

 

The UPBSZ also plans to renovate an old factory in the Shawei industrial area, which will serve as a sub-venue for the 2007 China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industry Fair.

 

Also, the current quarry in the eastern part of Antuoshan will be reconstructed into a large public bus terminal, according to the announcement.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2006)