Built in the first half of the last century and symbolizing the rise and fall of Macao’s shipbuilding industry, the Lai Chi Vun Shipyards area is being revitalized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau to create a recreational event space with the theme of Macao’s shipbuilding industry.
The shipyards are divided into 16 distinct areas, numbered X2 to X17. The X11 to X15 areas were officially opened on 24 June after more than two years of renovation and restoration work. Amongst those attending the opening ceremony were the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of Macao, Ao Ieong U, and the Deputy Director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Yin Rutao.
The revitalized X11 to X15 areas will regularly host special exhibitions, themed markets, on-site performances by artists and tourists, workshops and more. They will mainly display the history and culture of the Lai Chi Vun Shipyard area. The remaining 11 areas (X2 to X10, X16 and X17) are planned to undergo redevelopment in the future and it is hoped the shipyards will eventually become a Coloane cultural landmark.
The Cultural Affairs Bureau pointed out that the first phase of the Lai Chi Vun Shipyard market development received 41 applications for market stalls selling souvenirs, handmade products, postcards, coffee and more. There are currently 15 stalls open each week, including 10 selling souvenirs with Coloane characteristics and local cultural and creative products.
In the middle of the last century, the prosperity of Macau’s fishing industry led to the rapid development of the shipbuilding industry. Against this background, the Lai Chi Vun Shipyard was built in the 1950s, and more shipyards were built thereafter, forming the Lai Chi Vun Shipyard Area, which was dedicated to ship manufacturing and repair.
However, with the decline of the fishing industry, the Lai Chi Vun Shipyard area ceased operation in the 1990s, but the relevant buildings have been preserved ever since. The entire shipyard area has been appraised, and the sixteen distinct areas earmarked for a variety of functions.
