Đà Nẵng — Đà Nẵng plans to build a 4.4ha Central Square project in the city’s downtown that will serve as a landmark tourism attraction, shopping and public entertainment site.

The city said the project, which would cost around VNĐ700 billion (US$31 million), would help connect the Hàn River bank from Bạch Đằng street to downtown Phan Châu Trinh, Nguyễn Thái Học and Hùng Vương streets, night markets and shopping centres in Lê Duẩn and Phạm Hồng Thái streets and the city’s administrative centre.

The square would be a pedestrian area and entertainment space for local and tourists.

According to the city’s construction department, a design contest has been launched challenging domestic and foreign companies to create the most specular plan for the future square.

The city will select the best design to develop the project in a ‘green’, peaceful and friendly style.

The project is included in the city’s downtown master development plan of a 130ha for finance, banking, trade and services.

Đà Nẵng aims to transform itself into a ‘green’ city by 2025 and an economic hub of the central region that plays a central role in boosting development in the central and Central Highlands regions.

The city has faced some serious challenges during its rapid urbanisation--from 5,600ha in 1997 to its current 21,300ha--but a lack of recreational and shopping centres also puts the tourist industry at a disadvantage.

According to experts and economists, the city has yet to build ‘international-standard centres for sports, shopping, trade, night life and finance.

In November, the Government issued special regulations concerning investment, budgetary status and decentralisation for Đà Nẵng

The city has hosted 5.5 million tourists, including 1.6 million foreigners, in 2016.

Last year, the city also debuted a major downtown shopping centre in Lê Duẩn street and a night cuisine market in Huỳnh Thúc Kháng street.

The city built a main square in September, but it was used as a performance space rather than an entertainment and tourism attraction. — VNS