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A New Era of Urban Safety in Hiroshima

In an innovative move for urban revitalization, Meta Real Estate, a real estate company based in Hiroshima, is embarking on a groundbreaking project to transform a 46-year-old building into a state-of-the-art disaster prevention hub. This initiative, recognized by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as the first of its kind in western Japan, aims not only to rejuvenate an aging structure but also to enhance the safety and comfort of the community surrounding it.

The Need for Action

The building located in the bustling Hatchobori area of Hiroshima had become obsolete, with its air conditioning, lighting, and insulation systems outdated. Furthermore, it lacked sufficient seismic performance, forcing all tenants to vacate. The growing number of decrepit buildings in the city center has contributed to a decline in the area's vibrancy and economic activity.

By adopting the persona of the "building doctor," Meta Real Estate is taking actionable steps to address these challenges, focusing on elevating safety and revitalizing economic value simultaneously.

Project Overview

The newly named "HATCH Hatchobori Value-Up Renovation Project" commenced in July 2025 and is set to be completed by February 2026. Here are the key details of this ambitious project:

• - Location: 6-9 Hatchobori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
• - Floor Area: 549.283 m²
• - Structure: Reinforced Concrete, four stories (upgrading from old to new seismic standards)
• - Use: Shops and offices

Key Renovation Initiatives

1. Enhanced Earthquake Resistance:
The renovation involves seismic reinforcement that significantly improves the building's earthquake resistance ratings, promising to mitigate collapse risks even during strong earthquakes. This will reduce recovery time from disaster-related disruptions from 72 hours to a mere 24 hours.

2. Energy Efficiency:
By introducing high-efficiency air conditioning and LED lighting, the project aims to cut energy usage by 35% and reduce CO₂ emissions by 62 tons annually, saving approximately 1.8 million yen on utility costs.

3. Community Disaster Prevention Hub:
The building will feature emergency power sources (solar panels installed on the roof) and designated temporary evacuation spaces, serving as an information hub connected to local residents, administration, and firefighters during emergencies.

4. Boosting Local Economy:
The renovation will promote the occupancy of startups and small businesses on the second and third floors, enhancing productivity through the targeted implementation of digital transformation tools.

Contribution to Hiroshima

Bearing the hallmark of a model project for national small building regeneration by the Ministry, this initiative represents the first adoption in western Japan. It is expected to serve as a low-environmental-impact regeneration model and will contribute significantly toward enhancing safety and economic impacts through job creation and attracting new businesses.

The "Building Doctor" Initiative

Meta Real Estate’s approach goes beyond simple renovation; they offer comprehensive medical-like services for decrepit buildings—from diagnosis to treatment and prevention. This involves:

• - Precise assessments of current building conditions,
• - Implementation of necessary upgrades like seismic reinforcements and energy-efficient machinery,
• - Continued monitoring post-renovation to preemptively tackle deterioration and technical issues.

This approach ensures that the building maintains its asset value over the long term, providing a safe environment for owners, tenants, and the local community.

Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals

Meta Real Estate aligns its operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing on energy sustainability and promoting industrial modernization. Their strategies include:

• - Goal 7: Clean energy access—reducing energy use by 35% and CO₂ emissions.
• - Goal 9: Advancing industry and innovation through renovations that meet modern seismic standards, improving workplace efficiency.
• - Goal 11: Enhancing living standards by recycling old buildings instead of demolition, reducing waste significantly.
• - Goal 13: Tackling climate change through energy-related efforts and continuous improvements in operational efficiency.

By championing these initiatives, Meta Real Estate is not only restoring the physical structure of a building but also renewing the spirit of community engagement and economic prosperity in Hiroshima.

About Meta Real Estate

Founded in January 2021, Meta Real Estate is a comprehensive real estate company dedicated to enhancing local property values and fostering sustainable urban development through a wide range of services including remodeling, construction, brokerage, and property management.

For further inquiries:
Meta Real Estate, CEO Masashi Matsumoto
Address: 5-1-14 Iguchi, Nishi-ku, Hiroshima
Phone: 082-576-3666
Website: meta-re.net