Due to 23/9 Park’s dilapidated state, a competition to redesign the space was recently approved by city authorities.
According to Tuoi Tre, the park is in need of a thorough renovation as a result of deteriorating lightning systems, restrooms, children’s playgrounds and exercise areas. The competition is open to firms with expertise in architectural design and planning, and the main criteria include suitable designs for greenery, lakes and public space, as well as easy accessibility for all.
The winning design should also cover the streets and pavements surrounding the park, as well as a four-level underground space for parking and shopping. The contest was first proposed by the municipal Department of Planning and Architecture, the news source reports.
The 10-hectare park is next to popular tourist attractions such as Ben Thanh Market and Bui Vien Street, and will become an extensive public transport hub once the long-delayed Metro Line 1 is completed, combined with the main bus station nearby.
Last September, the municipal administration ordered the local Department of Natural Resources and Environment to terminate every lease contract in the underground market inside the park, Tuoi Tre reports in a separate article. Vendors were taken aback by the abrupt decision since their businesses had only been operating for less than two years.
The commercial quarter, called Sense Market, offers numerous shopping and dining options across an area of 5,000 square meters. Shocked by the sudden decision, which gave vendors just over six months to relocate, stall owners were worried about how to deal with unsold items and how to collect starting capital.
According to the news source, the underground market closure was announced as part of the effort to revive 23/9 Park, since different sections have been used by some companies and agencies.
There is no reported timeline for the contest or the revamp of the park.
