Page 78 - JCAU-6-4

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Regeneration of Xinmalu, Ningbo

Figure 17. Nantang old street, Ningbo. Source: Photo by the author (2018).

Figure 19. Documentation of the community meetings discussing the
vision of the selected area. Source: Photo by the author (2018).

but also makes the area inviting and rewarding for earlier
residents, encouraging them to return and establish their
local businesses (PLAN, 2019).

5.2. Lessons from stakeholder meetings: A place for
nostalgia

Figure 18. The spatial quality of the dynamic Nantang Block was Many people develop a deep connection to old places,
unprecedently enhanced after the preservation process, restoring the ranging from traditional houses and historic cities
block’s vibrancy. Source: Photo by the author (2018). to ancient sites and local monuments. Because these
heritage places hold significant meaning for individuals
lived here for two to three generations, set to be replaced and communities, preservation, conservation, and urban
by a millennial community. How can we plan for this regeneration are essential, as illustrated by Ningbo’s
transition from one generation to another, ensuring community. Any rehabilitation of old buildings and
that the valued aspects of the past are preserved while districts should consider why heritage places matter
also catering to the needs and aspirations of the future? to people. Mayes (2018) has argued that the deep
Xinmalu Historical District is envisioned as a place
that belongs to everyone, representing the diverse attachments people have to old places substantiate a
perspectives of those who have lived here and those who sense of belonging, identity, and memory. During the
will move here from elsewhere. To incorporate these meetings with local residents, one participant, born in
different views into the vision-setting process, a series 1953, emphasized that the place was once veined with
of stakeholder meetings were held, attended by local small waterways connecting to the river. In the decade
residents, entrepreneurs, real estate developers, urban that followed, workers’ living quarters emerged on the
planning experts, and members of the NBPI (Figure 19). landscape, leading farmers to abandon agriculture and
During these meetings, it became apparent that there is instead contribute to building houses. Over time, the
a disparity between the nostalgia of the older generation streams were filled in and built upon, as seen with the
and the needs of the younger residents at Xinmalu. The current Shengbao Road. This street was initially paved
older generation laments the loss of the unique identity with flagstone but was later dug out and rebuilt due to
of the Xinmalu Historical District. A successful future waterlogging problems. To improve living conditions,
vision must incorporate traditional and historic elements many houses were torn down in the name of urban
to revitalize the place, making it an attractive destination regeneration. Although the participant has since
for new companies and young talents. One of the most relocated, he restated that water was the missing element
significant lessons from the stakeholders’ meetings is the in the site today, and there was a need to bring back water,
need for a vision that not only attracts the new and young along with the bridges and urban landscape associated

Volume 6 Issue 4 (2024) 10 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.2623