Having occupied an important role in the mind of old Taipei-ers, the refurbished Jiancheng Circle (also known as Taipei Circle) food court opened to the public on April 9.

During his address at the opening ceremony, Mayor Hau Lung-bin noted that the Jiancheng Circle exists in many people’s mind as the place for great food. Recalling his high school years, he would visit the food court at the circle and enjoy some snacks after school before going home.

Despite the two fires that damaged the site in 1993 and 1999, he and many elder residents of the city still retain the hope of seeing the return of the Jiancheng Circle. The current structure was rebuilt by the city government in 2003.

Regarding earlier attempts at reviving the circle, Hau acknowledged that one of the main problems was the difference in opinion between the architect and management. This time, the mayor voiced his trust for the team involving head of the new management Sandra Yu, chef A-zhong-shi, and winner of Taipei Flora Expo Design Competition Lamech.

Noting that a number of opinion leaders from Datong District attended the reopening press conference, the mayor remarked that the success of the Jiancheng Circle is everyone’s wish. He promised that the city government will assist the management in transforming the circle into a lively and prosperous attraction known for its delicacies.