ROC premier’s residence set for revitalization

2015-03-11

The unused ROC premier’s residence located on Jinhwa Street in Taipei City will be transformed into Taiwan’s first social enterprise hub, according to the Executive Yuan March 9.

Occupying more than 3,306 square meters, the residence comprises four Japanese buildings near the bustling Yongkang shopping district. It was returned to the National Property Administration in November 2013 for asset revitalization after standing empty for five years.

Preliminary plans by the Ministry of Economic Affairs involve converting the main building into a co-working space for social enterprise startups, while MOEA Small and Medium Enterprise Administration staffers will provide consultancy services from another building on-site.

Minister without Portfolio Feng Yen said the new organizational model blends civil society altruism and reciprocity with market efficiency.

“In addition to serving as an incubator for aspiring entrepreneurs, the facility will take a central role in promoting related discussions, exchanges and products,” she said, adding that a public discussion is scheduled for later this month to canvass inputs from architects and other relevant parties.

The undertaking falls under the Project for Social Enterprises Action Plan launched last September. A total of NT$161.2 million (US$5.38 million) has been earmarked for the project from 2014 to 2016 by the Cabinet to spur 200 guidance cases for the sector.

Initiative goals include providing consultancy services to 100 newly created social enterprises and assisting at least 50 such entities to participate in international forums.

The premier’s residence is not the only state-owned property set for transformation, according to the Executive Yuan. The former ROC air force command headquarters in Taipei will take on a new mission as an innovation and startup center for the youth.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=228098&CtNode=413)