TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Heping Island will feature an archaeology education center from 2027 following the signing of an agreement Tuesday between Keelung City Government and shipbuilder CSBC Corporation, Taiwan.

The plot, owned by CSBC, formed part of the shipyard’s parking lot, per CNA. Since 2011, the company has allowed archaeologists to dig on the site, with larger-scale research projects taking place from 2018.

Remains of a Spanish church and cemetery from the early 17^th century were found at the location, while the digs also located traces from the Neolithic, Iron Age, and modern era. 

The three-story education center has a budget of NT$190 million (US$5.84 million), with Keelung City Government providing a NT$150 million subsidy. The city praised CSBC for helping to conserve Heping Island’s and Keelung’s cultural heritage.