Odakyu Electric Railway is set to launch the HOME/WORK VILLAGE complex on April 16, 2025, transforming the former Ikejiri Junior High School site located at 2-4-5 Ikejiri, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo. This ambitious redevelopment utilizes the school buildings, gymnasium, and grounds, which have been vacant since the school ceased operations in 2004, to create a multifaceted environment to cater to the local community's needs.
The HOME/WORK VILLAGE aims to blend work, play, and learning spaces, enhancing the daily lives of residents within the Setagaya area. With plans to revitalize local industries, the facility will serve as both a hub for community engagement and support for sustainable development of the local economy.
Opening initially on April 16 will be areas surrounding the gymnasium and plaza, leaving the first floor of the school building for the grand opening planned for July. The school building will host various food, retail, and service businesses alongside shared kitchens and podcast studios. A unique educational initiative called the creative learning school, referred to as "Lens", will provide young learners from preschool to elementary age with engaging opportunities for creativity and exploration.
Among the facility's highlights will be the rooftop urban gardening area, named "IKEJIRI ART FARM", designated for members. The garden aims to bring the community together through maintenance activities and workshops, fostering local interaction and educational experiences.
Co-working spaces, including MIDORI.so IKEJIRI, will house innovation managers to support the business sector, along with fifteen small offices for enterprises focused on addressing social challenges related to environmental and manufacturing issues. This initiative is expected to attract social entrepreneurs and projects dedicated to creating positive changes within the area.
The gymnasium's access will be expanded, allowing public events and general use to encourage community participation. At the main entrance, patrons will find a cozy book lounge, offering access to books and coffee for visitors to engage and relax.
This facility continues to promote fitness with the establishment of sports community studios, including running stations to support active lifestyles. The surrounding garden space will allow residents to enjoy nature amid urban life and will serve as a freely accessible venue for events.
Developed carefully alongside partners including Setagaya Ward, Sampo Inc., and others, the HOME/WORK VILLAGE is structured to merge the educational, entrepreneurial, and leisure pursuits of its users.
Through this initiative, Odakyu Electric Railway and its partners aim to create signage, facilities, and programming to enrich the interactions between community members and local businesses, stimulating growth and connection within the locale.
The complex plans to be operational and launch its offerings, establishing itself as a central fixture within the Setagaya community, marking another step toward improving access to diverse amenities.
The total floor area of the facility is 6,318.39 square meters, making it one of the more sizable community projects focusing on diverse aspects of modern living.
With easy accessibility, located just 10 minutes from Ikejiri-Ohashi Station and 16 minutes from Sangenjaya Station on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line, the facility strives to be invitingly close to the residents it aims to serve.