The Department of Planning and Architecture in Ho Chi Minh City on Monday presented a project to the People’s Committee for the restoration and preservation of the historic Cho Lon ancient quarter.

The project plan for the Cho Lon ancient quarter will cover a total area of 68 hectares in Districts 5 and 6.

The particular marked area is surrounded by Tan Da, Nguyen Trai, Phu Dong Thien Vuong, Hong Bang, Luong Nhu Hoc, Nguyen Trai, Phu Huu, Thap Muoi, Le Tan Ke, Phan Van Khoe, Pham Dinh Ho, Bai Say Streets and the Vo Van Kiet Highway.

Initially, the Department of Planning and Architecture had proposed   to launch a pilot project in three sections, over a 14 hectare area of the Cho Lon ancient quarter.

The first section is bound by Thap Muoi Street, Le Tan Ke Street, Hang Bang Canal, Bai Say Street and Tran Binh Street. The second section is located at the edge of Phu Dong Thien Vuong, Nguyen Trai, Luong Nhu Hoc and Tran Hung Dao Streets.

The third section is bordered by Hai Thuong Lan Ong and Van Kiep Streets and the Vo Van Kiet Highway.

The department said that the project has been put forward as the Cho Lon ancient quarter now sees pavements being misused, lack of parking areas and public spaces and greenery covering only two per cent of the area. Roads have been broadened too close to ancient houses and more ancient houses have been repaired or rebuilt improperly.

It is necessary to preserve the Cho Lon ancient quarter for its tourism potential, the traditional festivals of Chinese-Vietnamese people and for the several architectural and historic relics.

Other departments are giving their opinions to better the project. The City People’s Committee has asked the Department of Planning and Architecture to focus on balancing both modern development and authentic restoration of the ancient quarter.

Source: SGGP