Pátio do Espinho near Ruins of St. Paul’s set for urban renewal

The area of Pátio do Espinho, located near the Ruins of St. Paul’s, is set to be included in an urban renewal project as one of the key initiatives under the government’s Third Five-Year Plan.

As part of the plan, the government has made the preservation and revitalization of the Ruins of St. Paul’s precinct a key part of its urban renewal strategy, alongside the redevelopment of aging buildings in Iao Hon. Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raymond Tam confirmed that a phased “protective conservation and renewal” approach would be implemented, beginning with a small pilot area.

The government has established a special task force to oversee the renewal and revitalization of Pátio do Espinho, a rare surviving traditional walled village near the Ruins of St. Paul’s and within the core of the World Heritage buffer zone. Tam announced the move yesterday in an update on urban renewal efforts.

The Pátio do Espinho Renewal and Revitalization Task Force was established under the coordination working group to advance the area’s renewal, conservation and revitalization, while addressing public safety hazards, including fire and sanitation risks.

Authorities will conduct preliminary studies with a view to adopting a district-wide coordinated planning approach to improve public spaces and streetscapes, while exploring viable options for the village’s revitalization and use.

According to a statement from the Land and Urban Construction Bureau (DSCCU), urban renewal work is progressing on multiple fronts, including institutional development, building repairs, district beautification and redevelopment.

Tam urged members of the working group to maintain close communication and coordinate proactively to advance urban renewal efforts and ensure that the benefits of urban development reach residents.

The Third Five-Year Plan identifies urban renewal as a key livelihood initiative for building a “Happy Macau” and one of the plan’s major priorities, aimed at enhancing the city’s image, improving residents’ quality of life and addressing community safety hazards.