Over the past few years, staggeringly high yellow cranes, walkways under construction and an endless stream of orange safety pylons have become the new normal around Shibuya Station. They're all part of the 'large-scale redevelopment' of Shibuya Station − a bit of a monster task, considering the gazillion different metro and train lines, run by a host of different companies, that pass through the massive hub.
All this construction begs the question: what will Shibuya actually look like in the years to come? And when will the damn thing be finished? Luckily, part of the Shibuya Renewal project plans were unveiled to the public this Monday, with the announcements including ideas for the station's south side and the newly created Miyashitacho area (opposite Miyashita Park, at the start of Cat Street).
Six districts around Shibuya Station are currently being redeveloped, with the Hikarie building serving as the focal point of all these plans. Two of the facilities presented on Monday centre on the idea of creative workers, with shared office spaces and co-housing, as one big creative complex where new ideas and technology can flourish among the more artistically inclined.
Shibuya Cast's Square
Shibuya Stream
Shibuya Cast, set to open in spring 2017, will rise at the Shibuya end of Cat Street. This massive complex will include housing, offices, and several fashion shops of the more affordable variety, while the side facing Meiji-dori will have a square ideal for events like flea markets.
A year and a bit later, in autumn 2018, Shibuya Stream is set to open on the south side of the station (near the Toyoko line entrance). This 35-floor skyscraper will house offices (again) and a hotel, and there are also plans for a promenade bridging the gap to the station.
The entire redevelopment effort is set to be completed around 2027, but multiple projects around Hikarie on the station's east side should be finished by 2020. These include the Nanpeidai Project (slightly west of Shibuya Mark City), Shibuya Station's East Building, and the area around Dogenzaka-Itchome. Hachiko Square will get an upgrade by 2027, concluding the humongous undertaking (for now). Will it all look as gorgeous as in the rendered photos presented here? We'll just have to wait and see.
