A consortium led by Sumitomo Corporation has released a detailed master plan for redeveloping the former Kyushu University Hakozaki campus in Fukuoka’s Higashi Ward, outlining a large-scale smart city project spanning approximately 50 hectares. About 29 hectares will be developed by eight private companies, with construction scheduled in phases from fiscal 2028 through 2036. The site will be divided into six zones, including an “Innovation Core” for research in healthcare and food, a “Welcome Zone” with retail anchored by large stores, and a “Wellness Zone” featuring hospitals and clinics. Residential, education, and mixed-use areas will include an international school, student housing, and multi-generational living facilities. Smart infrastructure will incorporate AI monitoring systems, autonomous delivery robots, shared mobility services, and cashier-less retail. The project aims to transform the historic campus—founded in 1911—into a technology-driven urban district integrating daily life, research, and commerce. Source: NHK News / Sumitomo corporation
Photo: Sumitomo Corporation
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