Zhao Qiming could hardly wait to move back into his newly refurbished home when he received the key on Sunday, nearly four years after leaving to make way for renovations.

The 72-year-old's household is among about 2,110 preparing to move into apartment buildings in Pengpu No 1 Village, part of Pengpu New Village, one of Shanghai's earliest residential compounds for workers.

Built in the 1950s in what is now Jing'an district, Pengpu New Village was once seen as a status symbol for residents there, housing only model and outstanding workers. But as families grew and infrastructure aged, the residents found shared kitchens and bathrooms increasingly inconvenient.

To improve living conditions, Jing'an authorities launched a revitalization project in 2005. Over two decades, Pengpu No 3, No 5 and No 7 villages have undergone renovations, with Pengpu No 1 Village the latest project to be finalized.

In total, 102 dilapidated buildings covering more than 180,000 square meters have been renovated in Pengpu New Village, benefiting 4,907 households, according to Ren Wei, Party secretary of the Pengpu New Village subdistrict.

Pengpu No 1 Village, where Zhao has lived for six decades, was the most challenging to renovate due to its large population and complex family situations. Demolition and reconstruction also posed difficulties.

Ren said it took the design team about a year to develop a renovation plan that residents could agree on, consolidating the original 282 room types into 94. More than a quarter of the residents were considered difficult to relocate, including seniors over age 80, patients with severe illnesses and low-income families, while others faced internal family challenges that complicated consensus on the project.

Despite the hurdles, renovations that began in May 2019 were completed on Sunday, providing residents with refurbished homes.

The newly built 17 high-rise residential buildings with elevators offer apartments that are at least 2 square meters larger than the original units, each equipped with an independent kitchen, bathroom and balcony. An underground two-story parking garage with more than 1,600 spaces has been built, along with a six-story nursing home with 172 beds. The living complex now also features roof gardens, fitness trails and a cultural and sports complex.

Historical landmarks, including a fort from the battle for the liberation of Shanghai, have been preserved within the community.

Zhao, who often climbed a nearby overpass to check on the progress of renovations, said he was eager to return to his renovated home.

"The renovation not only changes our living environment but also allows us to continue living with neighbors we have known for decades. We are like family, and we can continue to support each other," Zhao said. "This is a huge asset for me."

He expressed gratitude for the government's efforts and said he plans to continue volunteering in the community after settling into his home.

Shanghai has stepped up its urban renewal efforts in recent years, aiming to complete the renovation of workers' housing without independent kitchens and bathrooms by the end of 2032.

"Having a place to live in peace is essential for people's well-being and social development," said Wang Yanfeng, deputy director of the Jing'an district housing administration. "Renovating old buildings is vital for the city's sustainable development and for ensuring a happy and comfortable life for residents."

wangxin2@chinadaily.com.cn