Yangon Heritage Renovation and Integrated Infrastructure

Country: Myanmar
City: Yangon

Key Stakeholders and PartnersYangon Heritage Trust; Ministry of Construction; Ministry of Human Settlement and Housing Development

Project Preparation Study PeriodDecember 2014 – December 2015

CDIA SupportUS$ 353,803

Expected Downstream Financingtbc

Infrastructure sectorsUrban Renewal

CDIA priority impact areasEnvironmental Improvement; Good Governance

Key City Development Issues

Yangon’s historic core is largely intact, reflecting the rich and cosmopolitan past of the city. As a result of decades of political and economic isolation, the strive for modernization has resulted in many historic properties (some date before 1950) being demolished and replaced by modern 8 – 12 storey structures. The physical improvements are often confined to buildings without much improvement to the public and common spaces. This rapid transformation of the cityspace distorts the urban fabric and uproots the local community, placing huge pressure on the public infrastructure. Yet, within the current political and institutional context, the enabling conditions are not in place for a firm legislation and planning control for the downtown conservation zone.

Details of Cooperation

CDIA-supported activities included: (i) review of previous and ongoing work on heritage conservation and development by Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC) and other relevant agencies in Yangon; (ii) preparation of an investment program for a comprehensive area-based and heritage-led regeneration of the three identified pilot areas detailing the opportunities and constraints for development and investment as well as placing the investment program to the market and link it to finance; and (iii) identification of potential social, economic and environmental impact of the heritage-led regeneration initiative and provide recommendations on safeguard measures.

Expected Development Outcomes

The project is expected to generate the following outcomes: (i) improved conservation of historic buildings which promotes natural ventilation and lighting that are more environment-friendly (with no demolition) and uses less imported building materials; (ii) improvements in housing and common areas in Old Yangon resulting in improved drainage, water quality and health for all; and (iii) provision of an urban planning framework that values heritage assets and promotes transparency in design of the financial instrument, tendering and decision making processes.