The area in front of Ben Thanh Market, one of the symbols of Ho Chi Minh City, will be renovated and built into a modern square, inspired by Times Square in New York, but still preserving the traditional and ancient architecture of the area. This information was announced by Mr. Tong Kim Quang, Director of the Center for Management of Walking Streets and Parks in District 1 at a regular press conference on the socio-economic situation of Ho Chi Minh City on the afternoon of January 16.
According to Mr. Quang, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Phan Van Mai chaired the meeting on December 24, 2024 and had an official conclusion on December 25, 2024, assigning the People's Committee of District 1 to preside over and coordinate with the Department of Planning and Architecture to implement the proposal to renovate, embellish and exploit the central square in front of Ben Thanh market in the direction of referring to famous squares in the world, especially Times Square.
District 1 People's Committee has directed the Walking Street and Park Management Center to work with relevant departments, offices and units. To date, there have been two working sessions with the Department of Planning and Architecture and the consulting unit on the proposed planning design for this area. District 1 is expected to submit the proposal to the Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee before April 30, 2025.
Highlights of the new square include:
Modern and traditional connection: The square will be built in conjunction with the Metro Central Station, developing towards modern commerce and services, while preserving and promoting the traditional and ancient architecture of the surrounding buildings.
Diverse cultural space: Research and arrange cultural spaces for cuisine and art, recreating the typical image of Saigon through scientifically arranged street business activities, creating an impression for residents and tourists.
Connecting tourist destinations: Calling for investment in renovating and exploiting Ham Nghi, Le Loi, Nguyen Hue streets to form the core area of Ho Chi Minh City, combining fintech financial technology activities and connecting Ton Duc Thang Museum, Ho Chi Minh Museum (District 4) with Bach Dang Park, Thu Ngu Flagpole Park.
Dynamic and unique space: Shaping the overall space of the central area of Ho Chi Minh City with a new and unique image, demonstrating the dynamism of Ho Chi Minh City, serving the people and tourists.
Mr. Quang also said that the synchronous planning of the area in front of Ben Thanh market and three central roads (Le Loi, Nguyen Hue, Ham Nghi) aims to optimally exploit space, associated with the project to form walking streets in the central area chaired by the Department of Transport.
According to Mr. Quang, the Walking Street and Park Management Center will be the unit to receive, manage and exploit these activities, expected to be deployed in the first quarter of 2025.
