XUHUI District plans to turn the West Bund area along the Huangpu River into a base for artwork storage, trade and exhibitions, officials said yesterday, adding that the move reflects the municipal government’s ambition to make Shanghai a major international art center.

A boulevard lined with art galleries has been established in Xuhui’s former industrial area, once home to docks and factories.

They include the Long Museum, Yuz Museum Shanghai and the Shanghai Center of Photography, which will be joined by other museums and galleries being built along Longteng Avenue, said Chen Anda, deputy director of industry development for Shanghai West Bund Development Group Co, which is in charge of the redevelopment of the area.