RELOCATION OF GIFU STATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF NEW STATION FRONT AS A PRIVATE INITIATIVE PROJECT DURING A PERIOD OF URBAN EXPANSION

This paper elucidates how the 1913 Gifu Station relocation and new station-front development were realised and what enabled their accomplishment. Drawing on diverse historical sources, including previously unexamined contracts, the study reveals the project’s full scope for the first time. It highlights civil engineer Hashimoto Chujiro’s pivotal role as an “Entrepreneur”. Collaborating with local volunteers from Gifu City and Kano Town, he led it as planner, engineer, designer, constructor, and land manager. His integrated approach cut costs and improved efficiency, resulting in a project scheme that closely resembles today’s Private Finance Initiative (PFI).