Bayside Place Hakata, the commercial complex in Hakata-ku, made its first profit since being relaunched by Kyudenko Group three years ago. By focusing on shops and seasonal events that families can enjoy, Bayside Place managed to bring visitor numbers up to 2.1 million in 2012. After posting a loss of about ¥10 million in 2011, Bayside Place expects to be in the black to the tune of ¥10 million in 2012. The complex was opened in 1991 as a third sector project involving Fukuoka City and other investors. Initially, the boardwalk was popular with young people, but visitor numbers fell after Canal City opened in 1996. The third sector arrangement went under in 2005, and Kyudenko purchased the building in 2006. The complex is now managed by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kyudenko. Part of Bayside Place’s comeback are its seasonal oyster and fugu huts, which have proven popular with the after work crowd. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun, Apr. 26
