On the afternoon of 21/8, machinery was mobilized to demolish buildings C5 and C6 of the Quang Trung apartment complex in Thanh Vinh ward, following the relocation of 140 households. The work is expected to take over one week.

The two buildings were rated level D, the highest danger level for apartment buildings. After half a century of use, the structures had severely deteriorated, posing safety risks.

Machinery demolishes buildings C5 and C6 of the Quang Trung apartment complex. Photo: Duc Hung

Following demolition, the C5 and C6 sites will be handed over to the investor to proceed with the renovation and reconstruction project for area C. This project includes townhouses, a commercial center, a market, public facilities, green spaces, and a sports area.

The Quang Trung apartment complex was built with aid from the German government in 1974 and put into use in 1976. This area comprised 22 five-story buildings and was once considered a model, modern residential complex in post-war TP Vinh (old) and one of the most modern urban areas in the Central region.

During the subsidy period, the Quang Trung apartment complex was known as "the rich neighborhood" because its residents were mainly leading officials, intellectuals, outstanding workers, and experts. Back then, owning an apartment here was a symbol of status and prosperity.

Buildings C2, C3, C4 of Quang Trung complex still house hundreds of households. Photo: Duc Hung

After nearly 50 years, the complex has deteriorated. Most current residents are retired officials, workers, civil servants, and low-to-middle income households who remain in the old apartments due to insufficient financial means to purchase commercial housing. By the end of June, the Quang Trung area still had six occupied old buildings: C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, and D2, comprising about 440 apartments and over 1,000 residents.

The renovation and reconstruction project for area C is led by Ha Noi Housing Investment and Development Joint Stock Company No. 30. It covers an area of 72,240 square meters and is designed for a population of approximately 6,800. Two buildings, CT3A and CT3B, are being constructed to resettle households from C2-C6. This is also the largest project within the Quang Trung apartment complex.

CT3A is expected to be operational before 30/8, serving households from C5 and C6. CT3B is currently under construction up to the 14th floor, with efforts to complete it before 31/12 to provide housing for residents of C2, C3, and C4.

In occupied buildings, many areas show severe deterioration, with peeling walls exposing steel cores. Photo: Duc Hung

While awaiting new housing, Thanh Vinh ward provides each household 5 million dong for relocation costs and 5 million dong per month for rent for a maximum of six months.

In wards within the old TP Vinh area, there are currently over 100 apartment buildings, with seven older buildings slated for renovation or reconstruction.

Duc Hung