Still (Somewhat) Alive ― 2015/06/22
San Selco is a largely forgotten shopping
centre located in the central area of Fukuoka City. It was built in
1979 as a part of urban redevelopment gathering small local family-run
shops clammed in the area since the post-war (I mean, WW II) confusion.
But, as usual for Fukuoka’s publicly funded developments, things did not
work out as expected. First of all, a department store which was
expected to anchor the entire centre declined to join the scheme. Then,
the plan has been changed repeatedly while there were allegedly troubles
related to land rights. Even after it opened the door, the building did
not see any commercial success. When I was young and active, it never
felt stylish or desirable. To be honest it was a mass of out-of-date
small shops.
However, while many once-fashionable shopping centres shut down one after another, San Selco is still survive. Why? Maybe it is partly (or mainly?) because of financial support from public money. It is still partly owned by Fukuoka City government (30 %) and other local big-name companies, which, I guess, couldn’t refuse the request by the City Council to look after the building. Looking at the member of its managing board, it looks like a retirement house for those who worked for local companies and government.
The other day, I went to see how it is now.
However, while many once-fashionable shopping centres shut down one after another, San Selco is still survive. Why? Maybe it is partly (or mainly?) because of financial support from public money. It is still partly owned by Fukuoka City government (30 %) and other local big-name companies, which, I guess, couldn’t refuse the request by the City Council to look after the building. Looking at the member of its managing board, it looks like a retirement house for those who worked for local companies and government.
The other day, I went to see how it is now.
The deserted corridor may be suitable for a mall walking. Some offices looked busy, but I guess nearly the half of the space has been vacant for quite a long time.
Despite the seemingly long-lasting sluggish business, the building seemed surprisingly well-maintained and spotlessly clean.
The floor was perfectly polished.
There was no mould-ish smell of old buildings even though it was raining outside.
Even the exit staircase was kept immaculate.
The lift seemed in working condition. I was not brave enough to try the lift though.
The basement is let out to bars and nightclubs, but the floor was still perfectly clean, no smell of food scraps. I didn’t feel any signs of a cxxxroxxh.
There was no 100-yen shop or electric game centre, which are very common in any shopping centres. Maybe San Selco has been ignored even by them…but the absence of these establishments creates a kind of peaceful and calm atmospheres--like a hidden valley.
At the same time, I found the building showcasing a 70s cool. The building materials, generous use of space, floor layout and decorations seemed unchanged since 1979.
The highlight of the interior should be this stairwell and chandelier which must have looked extremely stylish at that time, and are still aestically pleasing (especially for a 70s child like me).
I wonder why anyone hasn't noticed the retro glamour of this ancient (by our Fukuokan standard) building and make use of the charm. I guess it offers lots of possibilities to young and creative entrepreneurs.
...People might feel the same when they saw Hakata Riverrain, another failed urban development project, 30 years from now.
Reference:
Fukuoka City Official Website: http://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/jutaku-toshi/chiikikeikaku/chikeihp/03/03/sanselco.html
http://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/data/open/cnt/3/37615/1/250920sanseruko-keiei.pdf
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