Prime land plot, once abandoned, transforms into a park in central TP HCM

The prime land plot, part of the Phan Dinh Phung Sports Arena project, which had been abandoned for many years, has been rejuvenated into a park and will open to the public from 25/1.

The land plot at 8 Vo Van Tan, Xuan Hoa Ward, part of the Phan Dinh Phung Sports Arena project, spans 14,400 square meters and fronts four streets: Pasteur, Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, and Vo Van Tan. The project, with a total investment of 1,850 billion VND, was slated for completion in 2028 but has remained vacant for many years.

In early January, TP HCM decided to dismantle the fences and transform the land into a park and flower garden for residents to enjoy during Binh Ngo Tet.

After two weeks of construction, the temporary park on the plot was completed, about half a month ahead of schedule. Green spaces are taking shape, and pedestrian and exercise paths have been finished.

The old tennis courts in front of the Phan Dinh Phung Sports Arena have been painted with graffiti depicting city symbols in bright, modern colors. Nearly three years ago, this area was cluttered with construction materials and overgrown with weeds.

The flower garden's welcome gate is adorned with flowers, themed "Era of Reaching Out 2026". Workers are installing lighting systems to complete this section.

The park features green lawns, newly planted ornamental trees, and flowers. Several horse-shaped topiaries crafted from greenery are also arranged, creating focal points within the park.

Workers are decorating with miniature apricot and peach blossoms, creating a Tet atmosphere.

Some sections of the park's sidewalks are paved with honeycomb stones to improve drainage. Along the perimeter, sidewalks are also being repaired and transformed into flower beds.

The restroom area is undergoing urgent renovation and is expected to be operational from 25/1.

Beyond this location, several other sites, including: 135 Nguyen Hue (Tax Department Store project); 2-4-6 Hai Ba Trung; and 8-12 Le Duan, have also had their fences removed and are being converted into temporary parks and flower gardens for Tet.

According to Tran Luu Quang, Secretary of the TP HCM Party Committee, the temporary conversion of vacant land plots into parks and flower gardens for Binh Ngo Tet aims to increase green spaces and enhance public activities in the city center. The city is implementing this through a socialized model, with plans for permanent construction according to master plans once legal procedures are finalized.