Pedestrians at Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square in Hoàn Kiếm District, Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội will relocate many households and government offices around the historic area of Hoàn Kiếm Lake, a symbolic landmark in the downtown centre and a popular tourist attraction, to build a square-park.

Households subject to relocation may be compensated with land in the suburban area of Đông Anh District.

The conclusion was reached on Tuesday at a meeting of the Office of the Hà Nội People's Committee to implement planning and renovation tasks for the eastern area of Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

Vice Chairman of Hà Nội People's Committee Dương Đức Tuấn stated that the city has assigned the Department of Finance to promptly advise and propose the establishment of a task force, operational regulations for the task force and a supporting group to implement planning and renovation tasks in the eastern area of Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

The Department of Finance is also responsible for advising and drafting a report from the Party Committee of the People's Committee to the Standing Committee and Executive Committee of the Hà Nội Party Committee on the policy of implementing the investment project for the special square-park in the eastern area of Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

Tuấn assigned the Department of Agriculture and Environment to review, systematise and provide a 1/500 scale topographic map of the area to the Hoàn Kiếm District People's Committee and the Institute for Urban Planning to support the overall planning and architectural design process.

This department is also required to supply cadastral information and records to the Hoàn Kiếm District People's Committee to facilitate land inventory, compensation planning, resettlement support and site clearance.

Additionally, it must advise and propose adjustments to the city's land-use planning, allocation and related targets to ensure the project's implementation.

Tuấn requested an architectural study for the eastern area of Hoàn Kiếm Lake, aiming to transform it into a special square-park.

In this process, the city leader emphasised the need for careful investigation and assessment of valuable architectural structures that require preservation, including French colonial buildings such as the Department of Culture and Sports and the Institute of Literature, as well as symbolic structures and historical sites, such as the revolutionary relic where President Hồ Chí Minh visited Nhà Đèn (the power station). The study should propose appropriate preservation methods and functional uses that harmonise with the architectural and landscape context.

At the same time, Hà Nội is researching plans for underground space in the eastern area of Hoàn Kiếm Lake, with approximately three basement levels, to connect with the underground space of C9 Station on Metro Line 2 (Nam Thăng Long - Trần Hưng Đạo).

Additionally, relevant units must develop appropriate technical solutions to protect preserved structures during the construction of underground levels. They should also propose functional uses for underground spaces to ensure efficient land use and meet public needs, with a focus on multifunctional purposes such as public services, culture, commerce and infrastructure.

Tuấn also addressed mechanisms and policies regarding site clearance, compensation, support, resettlement and temporary housing for organisations and households affected by the project.

For the headquarters of the Department of Culture and Sports, the Institute of Literature under the Việt Nam Academy of Social Sciences, the Hà Nội Population Department, and the Hà Nội Blind Association, the city has assigned the Department of Construction to work with the Department of Finance and the Department of Agriculture and Environment to review the city's housing and land resources.

Based on the Law on Management and Use of Public Assets, they will propose new office locations for these units in accordance with regulations.

The Department of Agriculture and Environment is tasked with researching and advising the city’s People's Committee to apply the highest possible compensation policies for affected residents, ensuring that those eligible for land compensation receive resettlement land in Đông Anh District.

The Department of Construction will study and propose temporary housing arrangements for displaced households while waiting for resettlement land allocation. It will also explore options to sell resettlement apartments to those who do not qualify for land-based resettlement, ensuring stability for affected families.

Regarding the headquarters of the National Power Transmission Corporation, the Northern Power Corporation, the Hà Nội Power Corporation, and the Electricity Hotel, the city has assigned the Department of Planning and Architecture to research and propose new office locations for these entities in the headquarters area of State-owned corporations in the Cầu Giấy New Urban Area.

The Office of the Hà Nội People's Committee will coordinate with the Department of Industry and Trade to arrange a meeting between city leaders and the leaders of these corporations to agree on plans and measures to expedite project implementation.

For the Hà Nội Citizen Reception Office, the city has tasked the Department of Construction, the Department of Finance, and the Office of the Hà Nội People's Committee with identifying a new, well-equipped and convenient location for citizen reception before relocating the office.

Regarding the Hoàn Kiếm Electricity Office and the State Treasury Office, the city has instructed the Hoàn Kiếm District People’s Committee to review available land within the district and propose suitable locations. If no suitable land is available, they must report and submit recommendations to the city for further consideration and decision-making.

As for the land intended for resettlement in Đông Anh District, the city has directed the Đông Anh District People's Committee to promptly review and report on approximately 100 hectares of land that can be allocated for resettlement purposes.

In addition to the eastern area, Hà Nội is assigning units to research, plan and invest in renovating, refurbishing and reconstructing the Đông Kinh - Nghĩa Thục square area, with the highlight being the demolishing of the commercial centre "Shark Jaw" building.

This area is expected to be a square and have 3 basements built. — VNS