The construction of Sifang Scientific Innovation Center in Jiangqiao town, Shanghai's Jiading district, is nearing completion with the new center expected to begin full operations in May.

The Sifang Scientific Innovation Center in Jiangqiao town, Jiading district of Shanghai, is renovated from old factory buildings. The center is slated to begin operating in May. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]

The center, covering an area of 3.5 hectares, stands on the site of renovated industrial factories and spans a total floor area of 17,000 square meters.

According to the design, the structure of the old buildings remains unchanged but the outer walls of the first floor have been replaced with floor-to-ceiling windows and the buildings are connected with corridors. The design fuses the area's industrial legacy with modern development.

Following its completion, the center aims to serve tech companies and high-growth enterprises, providing opportunities for white-collar workers, technical personnel, and university students who want to launch their own businesses.

According to local officials, 90 percent of the center will be occupied as auto exhibition space, marketing center, or office space.

Jiading town has been working on building up the North Hongqiao Central Business District in hope of promoting regional industrial transformation and boosting innovation and entrepreneurship. The renovation of old factory buildings, including the Sifang Scientific Innovation Center project, forms part of the town's scheme to vitalize old resources to contribute to new developments.