The redevelopment of the former Kyushu University Hakozaki Campus has been named HAKOZAKI BLOCK. A consortium led by Sumitomo Corporation is participating in the approximately 50-hectare development, and a new JR Kyushu station is scheduled to open ahead of the rest of the project at the northern end in spring 2027.
The core project in the redevelopment of the former Kyushu University Hakozaki Campus area has been named “HAKOZAKI BLOCK.” Participating companies include Sumitomo Corporation, JR Kyushu and Nishi-Nippon Railroad, and the total area has been announced as approximately 50 hectares. In addition to BLOCK, meaning an urban block, the name is intended to evoke the bricks associated with Kyushu University’s history and Hakozaki.
The project is positioned as a flagship project of FUKUOKA Smart EAST in Fukuoka City and aims to become one of Japan’s largest smart cities. Functions will be developed in stages from the start of the town opening in fiscal 2028 through fiscal 2036, with commercial, educational, medical and residential facilities expected to open successively around such core facilities as the BOX FUKUOKA innovation hub and a life sciences park.
At the northern end, JR Kyushu plans to open a new station, JR Kaizuka Station, ahead of the rest of the project in spring 2027. Kaizuka Station already exists to the west of the site, and the opening of the new JR station is intended to make the area a major transport hub. The new station is also scheduled to introduce technologies such as facial-recognition ticket gates and inquiry services using generative AI.
The latest project information is expected to be released on the official website, and attention is focused on future development progress.