By KHT Staff.AI-generated illustration based on an archival aerial of the former 205th Arsenal site in Cianjhen District (前鎮區).
KAOHSIUNG — A proposal to move Kaohsiung’s city government and council to the former 205th Arsenal (205兵工廠) site has prompted a dispute over costs and how the valuable land should be developed.
Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) criticized the idea while campaigning for Democratic Progressive Party mayoral candidate Lai Jui-lung (賴瑞隆) in Gangshan District (岡山區) on Nov. 7. Chen said relocating the two institutions could cost NT$85 billion, accusing Kuomintang candidate Ko Chih-en (柯志恩) of rushing to build new offices before winning the election.
Ko responded Nov. 8 by questioning how Chen arrived at that figure. She described her proposal as a broader government, business, and trade district, saying the site could become a commercial center surpassing Taipei’s Xinyi District (信義區), according to Central News Agency.
The former arsenal occupies approximately 57 hectares in Cianjhen District (前鎮區), within the Asia New Bay Area (亞洲新灣區). The military’s relocation has opened the land for redevelopment, with soil remediation among the work needed to prepare the site for new uses.
Ko raised the relocation idea at her first major policy presentation on March 24. Reporting at the time described it as a proposal for evaluation and public discussion, rather than a finalized project. She argued that bringing government offices into the area could help attract investment and support improvements to transport and public spaces.
In her latest response, Ko said new government buildings would serve public employees and residents conducting official business. She also urged Chen to avoid spending his cross-party goodwill on the election campaign. The NT$85 billion figure is Chen’s estimate, which Ko disputes.
Lai also opposed the relocation proposal. Speaking Nov. 8, he said the former arsenal should prioritize businesses and financial services, United Daily News reported.
The competing proposals would give the former military site different roles: Ko wants government offices included in a new commercial district, while Lai favors using the land primarily to attract companies and financial institutions.
