Construction began on the comprehensive public service center on Big Wanshan Island on Aug 17. As one of the major local livelihood service facilities, it will better serve island residents and tourists, while increasing the island's disaster prevention and mitigation capacity.

The 11,400-sqm (2.8-acre) center is located in the core living area of Big Wanshan Island and is around 300 m (328 yd) away from Wanshan Island Ferry Terminal. Boasting an investment of 80 million yuan ($12 million), the center will possess a cultural and sports center, public service center for community and family services, as well as miniature fire stations.

A rendering of the comprehensive public service center on Big Wanshan Island [Photo by Zhong Fan / Zhuhai Daily]

Huang Wenyuan, deputy head of Wanshan Town, said that the lack of space for cultural and sports events is the most pressing issue put forward by islanders. The center is expected to greatly enrich people's lives upon its projected opening in October 2024. Performance halls, cafes, as well as libraries with books and exhibitions on island culture will be also available. 

The overall design of the center will showcase island characteristics. It will also give full play to current land and landscape resources. For example, the facility's southern side facing the sea will apply a desktop back architecture style, while corridors with canopies will be built on the first floor to offer shelter from rain and wind.

Currently, Wanshan Island has no large-scale shelters and many people facing potential risks have to be evacuated ahead of typhoons. Once the center is operational, it can help accommodate more people during typhoons, said Yu Shenglai, general manager of the center's constructor Huafa Island Investment & Development. 

Seven municipal major construction projects are planned in the Wanshan Archipelago of Hezhou New Area, with total investment of 3.86 billion yuan ($569.36 million). In addition, the Wanshan area will invest 2.03 billion yuan ($298.89 million) in 28 projects on the islands' supporting infrastructure for improvement of people's livelihoods, covering transportation, ecological protection, as well as public services.