Kitakogane Station South Exit East Area Type 1 Urban Redevelopment Project - A new urban development project in the historic city of Matsudo

The “North Kogane Station South Exit East District First Type Urban Redevelopment Project” currently underway in the area south of the south exit of JR Joban Line's North Kogane Station in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, is a highly anticipated project aimed at preserving the historical and cultural charm of the region while developing modern urban functions. This project marks Matsudo City's first urban redevelopment initiative implemented by a cooperative, with construction slated to begin in fiscal year 2025 and completion targeted for fiscal year 2028. This article provides a detailed explanation of the background, plan overview, and impact on the local community of this redevelopment project.

Regional History and Current Status

Historical Background as Kogane-juku

The Kitakogane area has a long history as Kogane-juku, a post town along the Mito Kaido Road during the Edo period. Even today, the area around the station is dotted with historical sites such as Hondo-ji Temple and Tozen-ji Temple, and retains its lush green environment. The Kogane Pasture, a horse breeding ground for the shogunate, was established in the Chiba Plateau area, and a wild horse commissioner was stationed in Koganejuku, highlighting its importance during the Edo period.

Current Challenges

On the other hand, the area south of the east exit of Kitakogane Station faces the following challenges despite being a livable community:

1. Narrow roads that hinder the passage of fire trucks and ambulances, posing safety and disaster prevention issues
2. Many buildings are dilapidated, and the land is not being used effectively.
3. There are scattered underutilized areas such as parking lots.
4. There is a lack of spacious open spaces and places to relax.

According to Matsudo City, in order to resolve these issues, Matsudo City has planned its first urban redevelopment project to be implemented by a consortium.

Outline of the redevelopment project

Purpose of the project

This project aims to resolve the following three issues:

1. Improving disaster prevention: Ensuring emergency vehicle access and safety in the event of a disaster
2. Creating open spaces: Developing a plaza of approximately 1,000 square meters to provide a place for the community to relax
3. Improving the living environment: Enhancing the living environment through the development of high-rise apartments and commercial facilities

Through these measures, the main objective is to improve the comfort and livability of the city.

Details of the project plan

• Implementing Entity: North Kogane Station South Exit East Area Urban Redevelopment Association
• Implementation Area: Part of the following areas in Matsudo City: Kogane-cho Tenno-waki, Higashi-Hiraka-cho Mukouda, and Nakamichi, as well as part of Kogane-cho Kiyoshi-ga-oka 1-chome
• Implementation Area Size: Approximately 0.9 hectares
• Project Implementation Period: From fiscal year 2023 (Reiwa 5) to fiscal year 2028 (Reiwa 10)
• Participating Members: Nomura Real Estate Co., Ltd., Haseko Corporation
• Total Project Cost: Approximately 16,957 million yen (including consumption tax)

Building Plan

The redevelopment project will be carried out in two areas:

1. North Site:
   • 20 stories above ground, approximately 60 meters (59.99 meters) in height
   • Reinforced concrete structure
   • Total floor area: Approximately 21,830 square meters
2. South Site:
   
   • 15 stories above ground, height approximately 45 meters (44.73 meters)
   • Reinforced concrete construction
   • Total floor area approximately 10,110 square meters

The combined sites will include plans for 379 residential units (planned), commercial facilities, parking lots, and other amenities.

Outdoor Space Development Plan

This project includes plans to enhance not only the buildings but also the surrounding outdoor spaces:

• A square of approximately 1,000 square meters will be developed between the central line of the block road and the south site
• A pedestrian-friendly space of approximately 2 meters will be created between the facility building site and the road boundary, integrated with the sidewalk portion of the road to form a comfortable and safe pedestrian area
• The north and south sites will be divided by the central line of the block road

Progress and Schedule of the Project

Previous Progress

The redevelopment of the area east of the south exit of Kitakogane Station has been under consideration for many years:

• 1997: The “Kitakogane Station South Exit East Area Urban Development Study Group” was organized with the aim of establishing a legally designated redevelopment project
• 2018: The “Kitakogane Station South Exit East Area Urban Redevelopment Council,” with a private-sector operator as its secretariat, was established
• July 2020: Establishment of the “North Kogane Station South Exit East Area Urban Redevelopment Preparation Association”
• September 2022: Urban planning decision
• August 2023: Approval of association establishment
• January 2025: Approval of project plan revision (first revision)
• February 2025 (February 2025): Approval of the Right Conversion Plan

Future Schedule

• Fiscal Year 2025 (2025): Construction commencement (including demolition work)
• April 15, 2026 to October 31, 2028 (April 15, 2026 to October 31, 2028): Construction period
• Fiscal Year 2028 (2028): Scheduled Completion
• Project Completion Deadline: March 31, 2029 (March 31, 2029) Matsudo City3

Impact on the Local Area and Expected Benefits

Improved Disaster Resilience

The current area south of the east exit of Kitakogane Station has many narrow roads, making it difficult for emergency vehicles to pass through. Through redevelopment, roads will be improved, enabling smooth evacuation routes and rescue operations during disasters. Additionally, the replacement of aging buildings with earthquake-resistant structures will enhance the overall disaster resilience of the area.

Improvement of Urban Environment

The development of a approximately 1,000 square meter plaza will create a leisure space for local residents and contribute to mitigating the urban heat island effect. Furthermore, the creation of pedestrian-friendly open spaces will ensure safe and comfortable walking environments for pedestrians.

Revitalization of the Local Economy

The development of commercial facilities will strengthen the region's commercial functions, leading to new job creation and economic revitalization. Additionally, the supply of 379 residential units is expected to increase the local population and attract diverse households. PR TIMES7.

Fusion of History and Modernity

This project aims to develop modern urban functions while preserving the historical characteristics of the “Koganejuku” area. The creation of a new streetscape where modern buildings such as high-rise apartments and commercial facilities coexist with historical temples and green spaces is expected to further enhance the appeal of the area.

Conclusion

The North Kogane Station South Exit East Area First-Class Urban Redevelopment Project is Matsudo City's first urban redevelopment project implemented by a cooperative, aiming to respect the region's history and culture while developing modern urban functions. The project is progressing toward construction starting in fiscal year 2025 and completion in fiscal year 2028. Upon completion, it is expected to improve disaster resilience in the North Kogane area, create open spaces, and establish a comfortable living environment.

Once completed, this redevelopment will preserve the historical charm of “Kogane-juku” while creating a safer and more comfortable urban space, contributing to the improvement of the quality of life for local residents. The progress of this project is closely watched.