Three pieces of news about Kumamoto Station, which is in the midst of major redevelopment.
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Track elevation freed a large amount of space. JR utilized 7,500 square meters of this space to create a new shopping and dining area targeted at travelers called (of course) “Higo Yokamon Shijo (market)” 「肥後よかモン市場」which contains 33 shops selling souvenirs from Kumamoto and 18 restaurants serving local delicacies. It is located beneath the tracks between the local and Shinkansen stations.
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With track elevation complete, attention is now directed at the station building itself. Changes will include: A) increased bus and taxi loading areas, all sheltered by covered walkways to the station; B) a 1.6 times size increase of the outside concourse to provide space for live events; C) a redesigned interior to ease the flow between local lines and the Shinkansen; D) improved traffic flow around the area; E) a new facade which is designed to mimic the curved shape of the castle walls (known as “turn back samurai” (mushagaeshi, 「武者返し」, planned for completion in 2021. The striking design is by renowned architect Ando Tadao (安藤 忠雄).
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Also planned for completion in 2021 is a 12-story building to the south of the station which will house retail and entertainment space (including a multiplex theater) and a hotel. JR announced recently that it is investigating building a 10-story building to the north of the station that will house office space.
The two images below are of the planned station layout and new station facade, and the links are to the relevant Kumanichi articles which have larger, better images.The changes will be introduced in stages, with the facade expected to be completed in the spring of 2021. I expect it will change the face and flow of the city tremendously and also indirectly have a great effect on Shinmachi, the area between the station and the castle. Exciting times! - William
https://this.kiji.is/347998069536736353?c=92619697908483575