A concept diagram of phase one of the Binhu residential community at Chinese Sci-Tech City in Optics Valley in Wuhan. [Photo/wehdz.gov.cn]

The ground-breaking ceremony took place on Aug 28 for the construction of phase one of the new Binhu residential community, located in Chinese Sci-Tech City in East Lake High-tech Development Zone -- also known as Optics Valley of China -- in Wuhan, capital city of Central China's Hubei province, according to local officials.

According to Optics Valley officials, the Binhu project is the first government-funded renovation plan for housing in rundown urban areas, organized and implemented by the zone. They said it is a new measure that will ensure the welfare of residents, promote development and will enshrine "people-centered" concepts.

The planned net land area of the multi-floored project covers 123,900 square meters, while the total construction area is 467,400 sq m and the total investment is 1.95 billion yuan ($284.51 million).

Officials said the main construction will include 16 residential buildings, one neighborhood center, one kindergarten, a power distribution room and other support facilities and infrastructure, which can accommodate more than 3,000 households.

They said the construction of the project will adhere to high standards, adding that the zone's relevant departments will strictly control the project quality and speed up the construction progress.

Officials said it will aim to be a demonstration project for improving people's welfare in the zone within two years, so that residents enjoy the dividends of living in the zone.