Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc square's transformation

After the demolition of "Ham Ca Map" (Shark Jaw building), Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc square has expanded to 1.4 hectares, its ground level raised, and surrounding buildings have undergone facade renovations.

Taking over from the Hoan Kiem District People's Committee, the Hoan Kiem Ward People's Committee has largely completed renovations and installed an LED screen on the gable end of the building at 5-7 Dinh Tien Hoang street. Photo: Ngoc Thanh - Giang Huy

The road surface has been raised to the same level as one tier of the fountain, eliminating the previous three-tier difference. Photo: Giang Huy

Hanoi has completed several key renovations at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc square by Hoan Kiem lake, including renovating Thuy Ta restaurant, the facades along Dinh Tien Hoang street, and installing a large LED screen.

According to the plan approved by the Hoan Kiem District People's Committee, the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc square renovation project is divided into two phases. Phase one, which included demolishing the Ham Ca Map building (1-3-5 Dinh Tien Hoang street) and renovating Thuy Ta restaurant, is complete.

Phase two will explore developing underground space beneath the square, overhauling technical infrastructure, and adding urban amenities suitable for the area's activities.

On Dinh Tien Hoang street, adjustments include relocating the parking area, removing the median strip, preserving the existing trees, reorganizing traffic, and adding movable planters that can be shifted to the edge of the sidewalk on weekends.

The relocation and arrangement of planters, urban equipment, and lighting systems in the area have been completed.

At the former site of the Ham Ca Map building, four "no cars" signs have been installed to create public space. Photo: Thanh Hai

Numerous benches have been placed around flowerpots near the facades of houses on Dinh Tien Hoang street. Photo: Thanh Hai

The authorities are collaborating with the occupants of 7-9 Dinh Tien Hoang street to renovate the 5th-floor attic and the facade, with completion expected in 2025.

Residents along the street are also renovating their facades, awnings, and canopies to enhance the urban landscape. Photo: Pham Chieu

A dedicated traffic light system allows pedestrians to press a button to cross the street. Photo: Thanh Hai

In addition to planters separating lanes, bold white and yellow lines have been painted on the newly paved road.

The road surface has been raised to the same level as one tier of the fountain, eliminating the previous three-tier difference. Photo: Giang Huy

At Thuy Ta restaurant, elements like awnings, canopies, and auxiliary structures have been removed to restore the original architecture.

At the former site of the Ham Ca Map building, four "no cars" signs have been installed to create public space. Photo: Thanh Hai

Numerous benches have been placed around flowerpots near the facades of houses on Dinh Tien Hoang street. Photo: Thanh Hai

A dedicated traffic light system allows pedestrians to press a button to cross the street. Photo: Thanh Hai

Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc square now spans nearly 1.4 hectares.

The square has been paved with asphalt concrete to create a flat surface, sloping towards Hoan Kiem lake. The reorganization of traffic and greenery enhances the space for community activities and contributes to the development of a historical and cultural landscape axis.