Ever since rumors were reported in the Chinese-language press early this year that the Gulou area was slated for redevelopment, theBeijinger.com has been closely following the story. Local authorities are keeping tight-lipped on their plans, but last week China.org reported that demolition around the Drum and Bell towers could begin as early as next month.

The source for the story, however, is somewhat vague: “One of Beijing's last remaining traditional neighborhoods could fall under the wrecker's ball as early as next month, China.org.cn has learned. A local resident told reporters a senior district government official had informed him that demolition of traditional hutongs surrounding the capital's Drum and Bell Towers will begin in June.”

The article continues: “Despite repeated calls, China.org.cn was not able to confirm the project start date with officials… Li Yi from the Dongcheng media office said, ‘There is no more information about the project to tell the public.’ When asked if it would be possible to speak with Yang Yiwen [the Dongcheng district mayor], Li said the mayor was ‘not taking interviews,’ and ‘when she is ready to talk she will hold a press conference.’”

Business owners in the area say they have yet to receive any official confirmation of a start date for demolition. The manager of a bar near the Bell Tower, who asked to remain anonymous, told theBeijinger.com, “We know the area will be destroyed, but we still don’t know when. Nothing is really clear.”

Large swathes of hutongs have been knocked down north of the Bell Tower, and much of Dianmen Waidajie, the street running south of the Drum Tower, has also been demolished.

The Asia Times carried a lengthy report last week by Iain Mills on Beijing’s development, focusing on the Gulou and Caochangdi areas. Mills argues that the key issue with Beijing’s urban environment is a lack of long-term planning and co-ordination. He writes:

“While the biggest threat to sensitive, sustainable development in Beijing is often portrayed as the government's master plan to construct a modern capital of shopping malls, skyscrapers and faux-Baroque mansions, lining its own pockets in the process, the opposite seems true: there is no plan or strategy. Policy remains vague, the law is negotiable, and decisions are made by local officials who may not have the capacity to manage complex social problems. It is often said that the market economy is destroying Old Beijing… However, this view needs to be refined… The real threat emanates not from market forces… but from the government's apparent inability to manage the complex issues at hand.”

You can read Mills’ full report here.