Exploring the Obstacles to Promoting Urban Renewal in Taiwan: An In-Depth Interview Study
Author(s)
Yen-Chen Yen , Hsu-Hwa Chang , Mei-Li Yeh ,
Download Full PDF Pages: 12-29 | Views: 8 | Downloads: 2 | DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21969402
Abstract
With over five million residential buildings exceeding 30 years of age, Taiwan faces growing urgency to accelerate urban renewal. Despite a policy framework established under the Urban Renewal Ordinance of 1998, implementation has remained slow due to persistent structural and operational barriers. This study systematically investigates the obstacles hindering urban renewal in Taiwan and proposes actionable recommendations to improve institutional effectiveness and practical outcomes. A qualitative research approach was employed, combining literature review with in-depth interviews conducted with eleven experts from government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. Ten core research questions were developed covering institutional design, rights transformation, appraisal mechanisms, contract governance, information asymmetry, and administrative coordination.
The results reveal that obstacles do not stem from a lack of policy intent but from the failure to translate that intent into consistent practice. Key barriers include inequitable benefit distribution, rigid appraisal mechanisms that prioritize land value over actual usage, perpetual contracts lacking clear exit clauses, inadequate communication between implementers and landowners, and fragmented administrative processes. Public resistance is further compounded by eroded institutional trust and insufficient transparency. Based on these findings, the study proposes several recommendations. These include reforming the Rights Transformation system, revising appraisal standards, strengthening trust-building mechanisms, refining contractual frameworks, streamlining administrative procedures, and creating a public information platform to enhance transparency and participation. These insights aim to provide practical guidance for policymakers and practitioners working toward a more equitable and efficient urban renewal process
Keywords
urban renewal, implementation obstacles, in-depth interview, property disputes, public participation
References
[1] Y. X. Zhuang, "Conflicts of interests in urban renewal process," M.S. thesis, Tamkang University, New Taipei, Taiwan, 2018.
[2] H. R. Hsu, "The determinations of participating in urban renewal projects: An empirical study on New Taipei City," M.S. thesis, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua, Taiwan, 2018.
[3] C. T. Chen, "The necessary factors of the success of urban reconstruction," M.S. thesis, National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan, 2018.
[4] J. C. Chen, "A study on the accelerative strategies for urban renewal: a case of Taipei City," M.S. thesis, Feng Chia University, Taichung, Taiwan, 2021.
[5] P. C. Chan, "Exploring on the key factors for rapid success of urban renewal integrated operation model: An example of case A," M.S. thesis, China University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan, 2022.
[6] W. L. Ni, "Research on the effectiveness of urban renewal promoters: A case study of New Taipei City," M.S. thesis, Southeast University of Science and Technology, New Taipei, Taiwan, 2023.
[7] W. H. Hong, "Valuing disproportionate ownership of land and buildings in urban renewal rights transfers," M.S. thesis, National Taipei University, Taipei, Taiwan, 2023.
[8] C. H. Chien, "A study on the influence of urban renewal bonus factors on the composition types of townhouse and apartment in Taipei," M.S. thesis, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan, 2023.
[9] S. H. Chen, "Exploring the issues and strategies to promote urban redevelopment in Tainan City," M.S. thesis, Kun Shan University, Tainan, Taiwan, 2024.
[10] C. F. Tseng, "Research on resource integration and business model of urban renewal promoters in New Taipei City: Analytic hierarchy process," M.S. thesis, Hung Kuo Delin University of Technology, New Taipei, Taiwan, 2024.
[11] W. L. Wan, "Shendu fangtan zai zhixing yanjiu zhong de yingyong," Sheng Huo Ke Ji Jiao Yu Yue Kan, vol. 37, no. 4, pp. 17–23, 2004.
Cite this Article: