A render of the square-park to the east of Hoàn Kiếm Lake. — Photo from Hoàn Kiếm Ward People's Committee

HÀ NỘI — Authorities in Hoàn Kiếm District announced on Tuesday that work will begin before October 10 on a new public square and park covering 2.14 hectares to the east of Hoàn Kiếm Lake, one of Hà Nội’s most iconic areas.

The area under planning lies next to the Hoàn Kiếm Lake and Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street, bordering a residential area to its north, Lý Thái Tổ Street to the east, and Trần Nguyên Hãn Street to the south.

The project, developed in two phases, is expected to provide a new community space for cultural activities, exhibitions and artistic events, while also enhancing the landscape of the capital’s historic core and a major tourist draw.

According to the district People’s Committee, the square will be closely linked with the surrounding green spaces, creating an open public area that is both pedestrian-friendly and well connected to the city’s future urban rail system.

The site lies within the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) zone around the planned C9 station of Metro Line 2 (Nam Thăng Long–Trần Hưng Đạo), which will improve accessibility for residents and visitors alike.

Pedestrian routes will be expanded, and an electric vehicle system will be integrated to reduce reliance on private cars and promote a more walkable, environmentally friendly city centre.

The first phase of the project involves site clearance of more than 21,000sq.m, affecting 59 organisations and households. Compensation, resettlement and relocation will be arranged, including for 17 agencies and 42 families.

Green trees will be a prominent feature of the space around the square. — Photo from Hoàn Kiếm Ward People's Committee

The square will feature paved areas, green spaces, lawns, and parking facilities, along with upgraded infrastructure such as drainage, lighting, public amenities, Wi-Fi, and security cameras.

Several existing buildings will be preserved, including the Hà Nội Department of Culture and Sports (No.47 Hàng Dầu Street) and the Institute of Literature (No.20 Lý Thái Tổ Street). Some facilities of the Northern Power Corporation are temporarily kept, to be handled in the second phase. An art deco-style building of Hoàn Kiếm Power company will also probably stay, but its first floor will be open space.

The second phase, to be developed under a separate project, will focus on creating a three-level underground space connected to the C9 metro station. Plans include multi-functional underground facilities for public, cultural, commercial and service use, designed to complement preserved heritage buildings in the area.

The ward authorities stressed that construction for phase one will begin before October 10, while the subsequent phase will undergo further review – pending feedback from experts and management authorities – in line with the city’s approved planning guidelines. — VNS

A render of the square-park to the east of Hoàn Kiếm Lake, with entrance and exit of metro station at its gates.— Photo from Hoàn Kiếm Ward People's Committee