Having benefited greatly from last year's Formula One Race, Jiading District is looking to expand its role in the city's fashion, sports and tertiary industries.

While plans have been set up for several projects, including a new fashion hub in the district, no timetables have been set as of yet.

More sport facilities are likely to be launched near the Shanghai Circuit as the district hopes to provide more chances for residents to view and take part in various sporting events. Officials from Shanghai Jiading New City Co Ltd, one of the projects' organizers, say they are talking to one of the biggest sports companies in China, but said it is far too early to give the company's name or discuss their plans.

A fashion hub, complete with a large amount of space for design studios, is also expected to be set up in the district.

Neighboring to the Shanghai Circuit race track, various stadiums, fashion design studios as well as exhibition and trade centers are planed to be opened.

The area will mainly focus on fashions for the young.

"Young people's consuming attitude is quite different from their parents' generation," said an official working on the project. "They are willing to spend a considerable sum of money to watch exciting games and buy high-end brands."

Shanghai new Jiading City Development is said to be in talks with several international fashion companies about helping set up the fashion hub.

However, the company said it is still too early to release the names of the companies it is talking with.

The company denied industry speculation that when completed, the fashion hub will be in competition with Nanjing Road W. in Jing'an District, the busiest shopping area in the city with Shanghai's most luxurious boutiques and plazas.

"Our aims are quite different. Nanjing Road W. is a busy commercial hub, while ours targets fashion designs and shows since our blocks are not so crowded," said the anonymous staff member.

Real estate is too expensive on Nanjing Road for designers to set up large studios, but prices should be much cheaper near the Shanghai Circuit, giving the area a huge advantage in attracting designers, industry insiders said.

Compared with the district's northern part, the southern area is home to large barren lands which are waiting for new development.

The district recently held a final model contest as a prelude for Shanghai Fashion Week.
The fashion week, which will include costume shows, promotions and design competitions, will be held from April 12 to April 28.

While the district is a short trip from downtown, it is very convenient for people from Zhejiang Province and Jiangsu Province.

Officials in charge of the projects said the planned fashion hub will not only bring in revenues, it will also push forward the dream of some national designers who want to use the stage to design a popular Chinese attire, fully representing the country's cultural traditions.

(Shanghai Daily April 11, 2005)