The Catalyst Factory at the Hsinchu Naval Fuel Depot was one of the biofuel production facilities constructed during the late stages of World War II to cope with the scarcity of resources. It is also the largest war industrial settlement in Taiwan, consisting of various surviving buildings such as Shangzhongzhen (the tall chimney), Xiazongzhen (the widow’s building, fuel plant, gas tank, etc.), underground oil tanks, the catalyst factory, and Jincheng New Village. The Catalyst Factory of this project was officially designated as a historic building in Hsinchu City on March 7, 2019, under the announcement number 1080041941, with the following reasons for its registration:

1. Significance in architectural or technological history: The catalyst factory in this area was constructed by the Japanese during the final stages of World War II. Due to limited resources, small pieces of wood were combined to create large-span factory spaces, resulting in distinctive architectural characteristics. It is one of the few remaining military-industrial relics from the World War II era in Taiwan, making it eligible for registration as a historic building with significance in architectural or technological history.
2. Distinctive regional building type: The common feature of the buildings in this project is their large spans without central columns (with the addition of central columns in the current condition). The materials used are relatively small in size, and the warehouse features the combination of two materials, showcasing its uniqueness. It aligns with the registration criteria as a historic building with distinctive regional building characteristics.

The historic building “Catalyst Factory at the Hsinchu Naval Fuel Depot” is located within the redevelopment area of the “South Area of Jiàngōng High School Urban Renewal Project” in Hsinchu City. In accordance with the establishment plan approved by the Executive Yuan on August 30, 2018, the center will carry out urban renewal projects.

To preserve and maintain the historic building, this project prioritizes the investigation, research, restoration, repurposing planning, design, and supervision of the historic building. The goal is to ensure comprehensive and proper planning, laying the foundation for subsequent restoration projects and achieving the value of revitalization and reuse.