- 減法美學人車動線分離
2020年後，第二次改造運動讓東門城廣場使用上更具彈性，以減法將玻璃空橋拆除，達到人與車各成一系統，人車徹底分離，動線更加清楚。
- 古橋墩廣場之再現
取消花台設計後，東門城廣場更開闊和完整，大階梯作為觀眾席，可容納比以前多一倍的人數，古橋墩則作為表演場地與後台的分界。位於此廣場中央的「3座古橋墩」在移除遮掩物後，重見天光！根據專業團隊考究，古橋墩為來自清朝、日據時代、與民國的遺跡，為不同時代切片所殘存之物。雖然這些遺跡尚未被認定為歷史文物，但確有其歷史意義。地下道採用鏡面不鏽鋼，營造出寬敞（鏡面）的空間，成為青年練舞的熱點，為了容納更多青年朋友，鏡面材質被延伸至廣場中央，讓廣場也成為練舞的表演空間。新設的廣場雨庇也以不鏽鋼板懸臂，延續地下道的軸線。並以九米燈桿穿越雨庇。而燈具採用活潑的亮橘色呼應著東門城屋簷屋瓦的暗橘紅色，並以投射燈打亮東門城屋頂和三座古蹟。
- 「竹塹」城
上下游平台下至地下道入口廣場的「竹模牆」以及圓環周邊托盤收邊，則以「竹」為模，乍看彷彿整片竹牆，是為呼應新竹竹塹城的歷史。
- 都市滯洪池的誕生
上下游親水平台的改造重點是讓平台高程下降，主要目的考量都市防災，都市滯洪，事實上這二十年來的極端氣候造成水文改變甚劇，當急驟雨來時，東門城廣場可成為都市小型的滯洪池，水可藉由下游親水平台直接沖進護城河，減輕下水道系統的負擔。此外下游親水平台下降，讓平台跟河水的關係更為親切，民眾可以坐在平台階梯或砌石坡上，感受河水從石頭縫隙流出；也增加無障礙坡道，讓行動不便的朋友都能夠來訪。上游則拓寬階梯與地下道入口，形成街頭表演與觀眾席的最佳場域。
- Minimalist Aesthetics and Vehicle-Pedestrian Separation
Following the 2020 renovation, the East Gate Plaza has become more flexible with the removal of the glass bridge, achieving complete separation of vehicle and pedestrian systems and clearer circulation paths.
- Revival of the Ancient Bridge Piers
With the removal of the floral pedestal design, the East Gate Plaza has become more open and cohesive. The grand staircase now serves as additional seating, accommodating twice as many people as before, while the ancient bridge piers define the performance area and backstage. The "three ancient bridge piers" in the plaza's center, uncovered after the removal of previous coverings, are now exposed to the sky. According to expert research, these piers are remnants from the Qing Dynasty, Japanese colonial era, and early Republic of China, representing various historical periods. Although not officially recognized as historical artifacts, they hold significant historical value. The underground passages feature mirrored stainless steel to create a spacious effect, becoming a popular spot for youth dance practices. The mirror material extends into the central plaza, transforming it into a performance space for dance. The new plaza canopy is also made of cantilevered stainless steel, aligned with the axis of the underground passage. A nine-meter light pole pierces through the canopy, and its vibrant orange color echoes the dark orange-red of the East Gate's roof. The pole is equipped with projection lights to spotlight both the roof and the three historical relics.
- Bamboo-Moat City
The "bamboo-patterned walls" at the entrances to the underground passages and around the circular edge are designed to resemble bamboo, reflecting the historical identity of Hsinchu as "Bamboo-Moat City."
- Urban Retention Basin
The renovation of the upstream and downstream waterfront platforms focused on lowering their elevation to enhance urban flood management. Extreme weather over the past twenty years has significantly altered hydrology, and during heavy rains, the East Gate Plaza can function as a small-scale urban retention basin. Water can flow from the downstream platform directly into the city moat, alleviating pressure on the sewer system. The lowered downstream platform creates a closer interaction with the river, allowing people to sit on the platform steps or stone slopes and experience the water flowing through the gaps. The design also includes universal-accessible ramps for those with mobility challenges. The upstream area has been expanded with wider steps and a larger underground passage entrance, providing an ideal setting for street performances and audience viewing.