Modernization of Nowon-gu Community Center Over 30 Years Old

With a budget of 6.3 billion KRW, aiming for completion in November... 'Auditorium Facility Modernization,' 'Exterior Image Improvement,' 'User Convenience Facility Enhancement,' etc.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) is modernizing the community center, which has been unable to fulfill its role due to aging facilities for over 30 years.

Opened in 1989 near Hagye Station and Junggye Neighborhood Park, the Nowon Community Center has a total floor area of 4,009㎡ with one basement floor and three above-ground floors. The basement houses classrooms and a food market, the first floor contains a large auditorium and the Nowon Service Corporation, and the second and third floors are used as office spaces for the Volunteer Center and others.

With a total project cost of 6.3 billion KRW (1.3 billion KRW from the national government, 2 billion KRW from the city, and 3 billion KRW from the district), the community center modernization project aims for completion in November this year and is being pursued in three directions: ‘facility modernization,’ ‘exterior image improvement,’ and ‘user convenience facility enhancement.’

First, the ‘large auditorium facility modernization.’ The center will expand its role beyond being just an event venue to include professional performance hall functions. The performance capabilities will be enhanced by upgrading the aging lighting and stage equipment. A user-friendly digital console system, projector, and high-resolution video system will be installed, along with line array speakers positioned on both sides of the stage to deliver immersive sound effects.

Additionally, LED lighting will be used to enhance production effects, elevating the functionality to the level of the Nowon Culture and Arts Center.

The auditorium seating has also been made more comfortable. The existing 748 seats will be reduced to 682, but the seat width will be expanded to over 500mm to ensure comfort even during long periods of sitting.

In particular, about 40 movable seats will be installed in front of the stage to allow efficient space utilization depending on the nature of events or performances.

Furthermore, the interior will be upgraded with new floor, wall, and ceiling finishes to create a more luxurious atmosphere.

The ‘exterior image has also been improved.’ To harmonize with the nearby park, the entire building exterior will be clad, and windows will be repaired. The ceiling of the dark and narrow first-floor lobby will be raised, and the exterior walls will be replaced with glass to widen the corridor leading to the office building, creating an open and inviting image.

Lastly, the ‘user convenience facility improvements’ for people with disabilities and others. Based on feedback from disability groups, facilities will be improved to enhance user convenience, including restroom upgrades, 12 dedicated seats for people with disabilities, a nursing room for pregnant women, and installation of an information desk.

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, “Due to the aging of the community center facilities, residents have not been able to use it properly until now. With facilities comparable to a professional performance hall, I hope it becomes a beloved space for the residents.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.