The HCMC People's Council approved a policy on the morning of 18/4 to invest in a new administrative center and central square within the Thu Thiem New Urban Area. This project will operate under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, specifically a build-transfer (BT) contract.

Sai Gon Sun Investment and Development Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Sun Group, has been designated as the investor. The project, located in An Khanh ward, spans approximately 46.7 hectares and encompasses an administrative center, a central square, a theater, and other auxiliary facilities.

The HCMC People's Committee stated that the PPP model aims to mobilize social resources and ease budget constraints given the substantial need for infrastructure investment. The new administrative center is designed to accommodate 6,000-8,000 officials and public servants. Additionally, it will serve 1,500-2,000 residents and businesses daily via its "one-stop shop" system.

Proposed perspective for the new administrative center in Thu Thiem. *Photo: HCMC Architecture Research Center*

The project aims to establish a centralized administrative and political complex, consolidating currently dispersed offices and improving urban land use efficiency. Existing headquarters will be reallocated and developed in line with urban planning.

The project encompasses several components: technical infrastructure, an underground parking facility, the administrative center, a performing arts center (theater), and the central square. The preliminary total investment is estimated at approximately 29,600 billion dong.

The administrative center block will feature a floor area of approximately 272,000 square meters. The performing arts center will have a capacity of about 2,000 seats. The central square is designed to host up to 268,000 people for political events and as many as 500,000 for cultural gatherings.

The central square will integrate a park and a central lake, featuring iconic elements such as monuments, fountains, and grandstands. This area is expected to attract 1,000-3,000 visitors daily. The space is envisioned as a large-scale public zone, significantly increasing green areas and water features.

Thu Thiem New Urban Area from above, August 2025. *Photo: Quynh Tran*

Financially, the project operates under a BT contract, with the investor receiving payment through a combination of land funds and the city budget. The land fund's estimated value is 22,100 billion dong, while the remaining 7,400 billion dong will be sourced from the city's budget. The reciprocal land parcels are located within subdivision 1, An Khanh ward; their exact value will be determined upon land allocation.

The project is slated for implementation between 2026 and 2028. The contract duration is approximately five years, covering construction and post-handover payment.

Encompassing approximately 930 hectares, the Thu Thiem New Urban Area was planned in 1996 to become HCMC's new financial and commercial hub. The city has approved the 1/2000 subdivision plan and the 1/500 detailed plan for the administrative-political-cultural center, providing the foundation for project implementation.

Currently, HCMC's agency headquarters remain dispersed, with the HCMC People's Committee and People's Council housed in a century-old building on Le Thanh Ton street. The new administrative center is anticipated to consolidate these functions, modernize the administrative system, and establish an iconic public space. The existing headquarters will be preserved and repurposed for tourism, visitation, and cultural education.

Le Tuyet