Tainan’s “Blue Print” won’t be demolished for now — comprehensive maintenance to be carried out first

▲ Tainan’s popular tourist attraction “Blue Print” has currently been decided to not be demolished for the time being. (Photo provided by Open Culture and Creativity Co., Ltd., please do not reproduce)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

A shared memory of the people of Tainan, the well-known street view “Blue Print,” was once reported to be demolished in September. Now, the decision has been made to temporarily keep it. To wait for the completion of new street art, the Tainan City Urban Development Bureau and the building owner have negotiated to retain the wall design, but because there are exposed rebars on the wall, and to ensure the safety of visiting tourists, a full maintenance effort will be conducted first.

The “Blue Print,” located on Haian Road in Tainan’s West Central District and established 10 years ago, is a must-visit popular street view for travelers to Tainan. Originally titled “The Memory of the Wall,” it was designed by renowned architect Liu Kuo-Cheng. Initially, in early August, it was reported that the “Blue Print” would disappear in September as the building owner decided to reclaim the space. This news caused an uproar among the arts community, local Tainan residents, and many tourists. Many expressed regret and disappointment, noting that even if “Blue Print” were recreated elsewhere, it might lack the original charm.

▲ Tainan’s Haian Road “Blue Print” is a shared memory for many locals. (Photo by reporter Hong Sheng-Yi)

Now, the Tainan City Urban Development Bureau and the building owner have reached an agreement to temporarily retain the “Blue Print” until the new street art is completed. However, recently, someone wrote to the mayor’s inbox complaining that when they brought their child to play at the “Blue Print,” the child was injured by exposed rebars on the wall, and that the staircase leading to the second floor was unstable. They urged the city government to implement safety measures.

In addition, there have been recent rumors that the wall behind the “Blue Print,” which houses a PUB, will be painted over when the PUB’s lease expires at the end of August. Regarding this, the building owner stated that the wall was originally lent out free of charge, so any related maintenance should be the responsibility of the tenant, not the owner. The owner also mentioned that after receiving complaints from the public, they had contacted the city government multiple times, but at the time, there was no mention of the wall being painted white.

Currently, the building owner has expressed willingness to continue lending the wall until the new art street view is installed. The Urban Development Bureau has also announced that the first phase of construction for the Haian Road street art project will begin early next year. In addition to finding a new location to rebuild the “Blue Print,” professionals will also be invited to conduct a full inspection and maintenance of the current “Blue Print” site.