Saga City Solicits Proposals for Kono Park Redevelopment in its First Park-PFI Initiative

Saga City is soliciting private operators using the public-private park management system, "Park-PFI," for the redevelopment of Kono Park. The target area is approximately 8,000 square meters within Kono Park.

In addition to the development and operation of experiential learning facilities, restaurants, and shops, the city is seeking proposals that utilize the creativity of private operators, such as events and information dissemination that will lead to an overall improvement in the park's appeal.

Kono Park is a historic park featuring the "Kono Ochaya" (Kono Tea House) and "Kakurintei" associated with the Nabeshima clan. The rich natural environment and existing facilities, such as an amusement park, harmonize well, making it a beloved spot for citizens for many years. With this new initiative, the city aims to create a park that even more people will want to visit while carefully preserving its existing charm.

The goal is to create new appeal and vibrancy in the park space by utilizing the creativity and expertise of private operators while leveraging the history and natural environment of Kono Park. The target area for this public offering is approximately 8,000 square meters.

The project name is "Kono Park Park-PFI Project." By having private operators develop and manage facilities in specific areas of the park, the city aims to improve convenience for park users, enhance the environment for longer stays, and boost the overall appeal of the park.

In the target area, the city is looking for proposals that enhance user convenience and the appeal of staying at the park, while harmonizing with the history, natural environment, and surrounding facilities of Kono Park. The city expects the unique creativity of private operators in areas such as introducing food, beverage, and retail functions, creating spaces for experiential learning, developing rest and play areas, and hosting events.

The recruitment covers facility development and operation, as well as enhancing the overall appeal of the park. The requirements include the development and operation of educational or convenience facilities as public offering target park facilities, and the development of at least one rest facility, landscape facility, or play facility as specific park facilities. Furthermore, efforts to improve the appeal include hosting events and disseminating information that enhance the park as a whole.

In addition to the development and operation of experiential learning facilities, restaurants, and shops, proposals can also include rest facilities for users to relax comfortably, landscape facilities to improve the park's scenery, and facilities with play elements. Moreover, the recruitment scope includes not just building facilities but also organizing events and information dissemination to enhance the park's overall attractiveness. The city is seeking comprehensive proposals aimed at "creating a park where people visit, spend time, and want to return," rather than simply "building facilities."

The certification period for this project is 20 years. As this is a long-term park business, proposals must focus not only on short-term visitor attraction but also on continuously increasing the park's value while harmonizing with Kono Park's history, natural environment, existing facilities, and civic use.

Saga City intends to utilize the flexible ideas and management expertise of private operators to generate new vibrancy in Kono Park.

The city is currently recruiting operators for the Kono Park Park-PFI Project. The main schedule is as follows. Please note the deadlines for the declaration of participation and the submission of the public offering installation and management plan.

Project Name: Kono Park Park-PFI Project Target Area: Public offering target area within Kono Park (approx. 8,000 square meters) Main Recruitment Content: - Development and operation of restaurants, shops, experiential learning facilities, etc. (Public offering target park facilities) - Development of rest facilities, landscape facilities, play facilities, etc. (Specific park facilities) - Proposals leading to an overall improvement in the park's appeal, such as hosting events and disseminating information Certification Period: 20 years

Main Schedule: - On-site briefing reception deadline: Friday, June 19, 2026 - On-site briefing: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 - Question reception deadline: Friday, July 10, 2026 - Declaration of participation deadline: Friday, August 7, 2026 - Submission deadline for public offering installation and management plan: Friday, September 25, 2026

Interested operators are encouraged to check the public offering documents published on the Saga City website.