Mayor Kim Kyungil: "Funds Saved from Not Relocating City Hall Will Be Used to Protect Citizens' Basic Livelihoods"

Paju City Decides on City Hall Expansion Based on Efficiency and Practicality Principles
Mayor Kim Kyungil Announces Plan at Press Conference... Target Completion by 2032
A Rational Plan Considering Integrated Accessibility, Site Suitability, an

Kim Kyungil, mayor of Paju City, held a press conference on the 18th to announce the "Paju City Hall Expansion Construction Plan," which is based on the principles of efficiency and practicality.

Kim Kyungil, mayor of Paju City, held a press conference on the 19th to announce the "Paju City Hall Expansion Construction Plan," based on the principles of efficiency and practicality. Provided by Paju City

At the press conference held at 2 p.m. in the main conference room of Paju City Hall, Mayor Kim stated, "The Paju City Hall will be expanded with 'efficiency and practicality' as the primary principles, maximizing the use of the existing building and expanding only as much as necessary." He explained that this approach is the best way to ensure administrative continuity, minimize inconvenience to citizens, and reduce the financial burden, including construction and relocation costs.

In addition, Mayor Kim emphasized that by deciding not to relocate City Hall but instead expand on the current site, "we will preserve the administrative and historical symbolism and identity of the Geumchon area, prevent urban hollowing, and contribute to balanced regional development, revitalization of the city center, and the local economy."

Since last year, Paju City has promoted public discussion regarding the construction of the new City Hall, collecting diverse opinions from citizens while comprehensively reviewing administrative and financial conditions and the feasibility of the project.

During the public discussion process, citizens identified integrated accessibility, site suitability, and inclusive growth potential as the most important key indicators. The city explained that the current City Hall site offers excellent integrated accessibility due to its strong connectivity with existing commercial areas and administrative infrastructure, high site suitability by reducing uncertainties through the use of existing land and infrastructure, and outstanding inclusive growth potential by supporting balanced development across Paju, maintaining existing commercial districts, and sustaining the community. For these reasons, the city plans to build the new City Hall on the current site.

Accordingly, Paju City plans to additionally utilize the sites of the Citizens' Hall and Geumchon Library, which are adjacent to the existing City Hall, to construct a new City Hall with a total floor area of approximately 40,000 square meters, including a performance hall and underground parking. The city also explained that the new City Hall will be designed as a flexible space to accommodate future administrative needs and organizational expansion, maximizing convenience for citizens and the efficiency of administrative services. Furthermore, it will be developed as a multi-purpose complex that integrates cultural, welfare, and communication functions to support a self-sustaining city of one million residents.

Aerial view of Paju City Hall. Provided by Paju City

At the press conference, a step-by-step implementation plan for the City Hall expansion was also announced.

The city plans to establish a basic plan for the expansion of City Hall within this year, initiate a feasibility study and formulate the basic plan, complete the investment review by 2027, hold a design competition in 2028, begin construction in 2030, and complete the project by 2032, ensuring that all procedures proceed smoothly.

Mayor Kim Kyungil stated, "As livelihoods remain difficult, Paju City will not relocate City Hall but will utilize the current site to reduce the budget. We will focus the saved funds on supporting livelihoods, welfare, and protecting the basic lives of our citizens." He added, "We place the highest priority on the basic lives of our citizens and the sustainability of our city. I ask for your continued interest and support in the process of expanding Paju City Hall, which is the result of careful consideration for both citizens' well-being and the city's future."

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