Is the Development of the Former Miworld, Which Held Two Residents' Briefings, Progressing Smoothly?

Developer TI Busan Co., Ltd. held briefings on the 15th and 24th
Explained development blueprint and public contribution plans for the community
Conducted briefings by nearby apartments regarding views and sunlight rights

Perspective rendering of the complex facility development plan on the site of the former Miworld in Minrak-dong, Suyeong-gu, Busan.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kim Yong-woo] The development project for the site of the former Mi World, aiming to build a new landmark at Gwangalli Beach in Suyeong-gu, Busan, is steadily progressing with two resident briefing sessions held.

The second resident briefing session on the mixed-use facility development plan for the Mi World site was held on the 24th at the Busan Design Promotion Institute in Centum City, Haeundae, Busan. Prior to this, the first briefing session took place on the 15th at BEXCO Exhibition Hall 2 in Busan.

While the first briefing session ended after 30 minutes due to communication difficulties and confusion during the process, the second session was evaluated to have proceeded smoothly for about an hour, with the developer responding to residents' demands.

About 40 residents from L Apartments in Millak-dong, the closest neighborhood to the project site, attended the session.

One resident expressed concern, saying, "Since we are closest to the construction site, the view obstruction damage is inevitably greater, and the actual damage caused by the construction seems significant," and added, "Compensation and countermeasures for such damages must be established."

A representative from the developer, TI Busan PFV Co., Ltd., responded, "We have set a policy to work together with residents from the planning stage and plan to contribute sufficiently to the neighboring residents."

This briefing session was the second arranged by TI Busan following the request from the Suyeong-gu Landscape Review Committee, which made it a condition for approving the landscape review that the project reflect local residents' opinions through public interest expansion and resident briefing sessions.

TI Busan plans to build three residential buildings on the 27,813㎡ accommodation facility site, with a building area of 12,680㎡ and a total floor area of 191,530㎡. The buildings will include two 42-story towers and one 41-story tower of residential accommodations (residences). The low-rise section connecting each residence will house tourism commercial facilities with a total floor area 1.6 times that of a soccer field.

TI Busan intends to open some facilities to local residents, including a skybridge connecting the two 42-story towers and an infinity pool and lounge on the top floor of the 41-story tower, which were incorporated into the design from the start.

They plan to build a cultural center featuring community facilities such as a book caf? freely accessible to residents. Additionally, they conveyed to residents their intention to promote public contribution measures for the local community, such as constructing stairs and elevators leading to a small park.

TI Busan announced plans to purchase all privately owned land totaling 41,670㎡, which accounts for 71.5% of the 58,318㎡ Millak Park site, and donate it to the Busan city government.

If development does not commence by September 2021, the sunset clause will apply, lifting development restrictions on land owned by 30 private individuals within Millak Park.

Although this land is completely separate from the accommodation facility site TI Busan is developing, the company intends to purchase and donate it to prevent indiscriminate development of privately owned land within the park. This means that for Millak Park to avoid uncontrolled development, the mixed-use facility development project must proceed smoothly.

Regarding concerns from nearby apartment residents about view obstruction and sunlight rights, TI Busan explained that the current plan is more advanced than the previous developer’s plans approved during landscape reviews in 2014 and 2017.

A TI Busan representative stated, "We will continue to meet with residents of nearby apartment complexes to listen to their opinions and find countermeasures on issues directly related to residents' lives, such as view obstruction and sunlight rights." He added, "The understanding and cooperation of residents are crucial for a project that will serve as a stepping stone for regional development."

The former Mi World site in Millak-dong, Suyeong-gu, has been left abandoned like a ruin since the amusement park closed over seven years ago, with the development project stalled. The area has become slum-like, causing displeasure among citizens and tourists visiting Millak Waterfront Park and complaints from nearby merchants.

About 40 restaurant owners in Millak-dong submitted a collective petition to Suyeong-gu at the end of May, requesting prompt construction and surrounding cleanup, citing difficulties in access for tourists and residents that have negatively impacted their businesses.

It is now a critical time for the developer, related agencies, and residents to pool their wisdom to prevent serious conflicts between citizens who want rapid development to overcome the economic downturn caused by COVID-19 and the need for a landmark at Millak Waterfront Park, and residents claiming damages from the development.

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