JR Hokkaido has announced a revision of plans for the redevelopment project at Sapporo Station.
A design image of the planned redevelopment at Sapporo Station
The project, which has been ongoing since 2023, is a large-scale development by JR Hokkaido and Sapporo City on the site of the former Sapporo Esta shopping complex.
Sapporo Esta was closed in 2023, to make way for the redevelopment and according to the original plans, two blocks of a large commercial complex connected to Sapporo Station would have been built together and completed by 2028.
However, a sharp increase in the price of materials and in construction costs has delayed the project and forced a revision of plans.
A cross-section of the redevelopment with the first block on the left and the second block on the right
The two blocks will now not be built together, as originally planned, but in stages. The first block will be a commercial facility that includes a bus terminal, with 10 stories above ground and two basement levels. This block is now due to be completed by 2030.
The second block, a 43-story-high building that will include offices and a hotel, is now scheduled to be completed by 2034.
The redevelopment at Sapporo Station is intended to modernize facilities in time for the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen extension between Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and Sapporo stations. That extension was originally intended to open by 2030, but has now been delayed until the end of 2038.
Article by Michael Lambe. Images courtesy of JR Hokkaido. All rights reserved.
![🚉 Introducing [Retro Japan Rails] series. New photos every week.
Keisei Ueno Station in the 1980s, with signage promoting the Keisei Skyliner’s 60-minute connection to Narita Airport. The Skyliner began operations in 1973 as one of Japan’s first dedicated airport rail links.](https://www.japanstation.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
