Hoan Kiem tower sparks debate

Hoan Kiem lake is a very sensitive location for Hanoi, and we should not permit any high-rise buildings in that area.

Conflicting opinions are surfacing after Hanoi authorities allowed a feasibility study on the construction of a commercial complex next to the iconic Hoan Kiem lake. Late last month, the Hanoi People’s Committee agreed in principle to permit Vietnam Power Equipment Corporation to make studies and set up a trading centre, office and hotel complex at 27-29 Ly Thai To street.

The project will cover 9,934 square metres next to the Hanoi People’s Committee building. Architect Hoang Dao Kinh, deputy chairman of the Vietnam Architect Association, said a high-rise building could not be built in that area. “Hoan Kiem lake is a very sensitive location for Hanoi, and we should not permit any high-rise buildings in that area,” Kinh said.

He said Hanoi People’s Committee should keep in mind that all potential projects have been turned down in the area. “One outstanding example is Electricity of Vietnam’s trading and office centre project, which was planned to be built next to this site some years ago and was refused by the government,” Kinh said.

Two years ago, the Electricty of Vietnam submitted a plan to build a high-rise building near this site. However, the project received objections from Hanoians, historical researchers and architects, all of whom were worried that the project would destroy the scenic landscape around Hoan Kiem lake.

“Can you imagine what Hoan Kiem lake would look like if high-rise buildings were built around it? It would become a pond,” Kinh said. Moreover, 70-year-old Hanoian Nguyen Manh Trung said that with the high density population in the city’s centre, trading floors and high-rise complexes should not be built.

“I think the [Hanoi People’s] Committee must ask investors to set up trading centres in other new residential areas, which can serve the local community and decentralise population and traffic congestion,” Trung said.

“The area around Hoan Kiem lake is an ancient architecture group which is considered the cultural and historical centre of Hanoi, with ancient streets, ancient houses and French-style architecture. These should be preserved not paved over for new developments,” Trung added.

The nearby Ly Thai To statue is a popular destination for many tourists and local residents.

Tags: Hoan Kiem tower, Vietnam real estate, vietnam real estate market

Posted by VBN on Mar 7 2010. Filed under Real Estate. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry