The Hanoi People's Committee recently assigned the Department of Construction to lead and coordinate with relevant wards to begin renovating and rebuilding 8 old apartment complexes across the city, including the building at 23 Hang Tre, Hoan Kiem ward.

The 23 Hang Tre apartment building (162 Tran Quang Khai) has three facades, two of which face Hanoi's Old Quarter. Specifically, its north side borders Hang Thung street, its south side borders the Institute of Transport Development Strategy, its east side borders Tran Quang Khai road, and its west side borders Hang Tre street.

The 23 Hang Tre apartment building with two units A and B. Photo: Vo Hai

The apartment building was put into use from 1984-1988, comprising two blocks, A and B, divided into 4 units (A1, A2, B1, and B2). It is 5 stories high with a shallow foundation, and its main structure consists of cast-in-place reinforced concrete columns and beams. This was the residence for staff of the former Ministry of Water Resources, now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

According to official assessments, the structure is dilapidated, with parts of its load-bearing capacity failing to meet normal usage requirements, leading to localized hazardous conditions. The addition of "chuong cop" (improvised balconies/extensions) and an extra rooftop floor has increased the building's load, posing dangers and detracting from urban aesthetics.

The 23 Hang Tre apartment building viewed from Hang Thung street. Photo: Vo Hai

The Department of Construction's inspection conclusion shows that the old apartment building at 23 Hang Tre is rated as danger level C, which requires demolition under Article 59 of the Housing Law 2023. Currently, 125 households live in the apartment building, with some ground floor units used for retail business or commercial rental.

Based on this reality, Hoan Kiem ward has developed a plan to demolish and renovate the 23 Hang Tre apartment building. The new building will be 21 stories high, with 3 basement levels, reaching 78 m tall, and will have a total floor area of approximately 20,000 m2 (including basement and above-ground floors). The renovation project is estimated to take about 30 months.

Proposed rendering of the 23 Hang Tre apartment building after renovation and construction. Photo: Department of Construction

The former Hoan Kiem district did not have concentrated apartment complexes but currently has hundreds of scattered old apartment buildings. These apartment buildings were constructed between 1960-1990, with some built before 1954.

In line with the city's policy on old apartment renovation, over recent years, Hoan Kiem district (now a ward) has developed plans to renovate old apartment complexes by consolidating several individual buildings into new ones.

According to ward authorities, some investors are currently researching and proposing solutions for several individual old apartment complexes.

Vo Hai