Saigon city officials are mulling a VND122 billion (US$5.35 million) project to fully revamp Binh Tay, the 88-year-old market in the heart of District 6’s Chinatown.
According to a proposal submitted by the District 6 People’s Committee, more than 1,000 shops at the market will be relocated to a temporary market site during the renovation, reports Tuoi Tre.
The funding for the project will mainly come from shop owners, who are guaranteed the same spot in the market for the next 10 years once the repairs are complete, according to Thanh Nien. Local authorities will specifically require the makeover to preserve Binh Tay's architectural facade as well as maintain fire safety and cleanliness around the construction site.
Completed in 1928 by Quach Dam, a rice trader of Chinese descent, Binh Tay market is one of Chinatown's most beloved local landmarks, housing a plethora of colorful market vendors and some of the city’s oldest Chinese families.
