This Mar 26, central Bangkok will welcome a rare new green space when Chulalongkorn University officially opens CU Centenary Park under the auspices of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

The 30-rai split-story green space is the centerpiece for a huge redevelopment of the 290-rai Samyan neighborhood, stretching from National Stadium to Rama IV Road, which aims to create Bangkok’s very own mini Silicon Valley—a “smart city” home to innovation and startup businesses.

Ambitious and civil-minded but with plenty of commercial space too, the project is proving a focal point for those who would like to see Bangkok step away from high-rise developments and malls, and towards long-term urban planning.

But the total project isn’t all parks and exhibits. While 30 rai (roughly one-tenth Lumphini Park's size) is dedicated to CU Centenary Park, another 40 rai has been allotted to Samyan Mitr Town—a shopping mall, office space and 554-room condominium being developed by Golden Land Property Development Group (the building arm of real estate behemoth TCC Group) at Samyan’s Southern end. Read our in-depth look at the park here.

The grand opening falls on the same day as Chulalongkorn's 100-year-anniversary and will see special celebrations on the day between 5:30-9pm. Current Chula students, alumni and members of the public are invited to dress in formal black attire to join a candle-lighting ceremony in remembrance of HM King Bhumibhol Adulyadej. Tickets for the opening are B200, which includes a special Chula 100th anniversary pin.

The opening follows Suan Pa Benjakitti, a 61-rai extension to Benjakitti Park that opened unofficially late last year.