Dalat’s newly-announced city centre construction plan has raised public concern, saying that this would affect local historic sites.

The plan will cover more than 30 hectares in Ward 1, including Hoa Binh Theatre, Da Lat Market, Xuan Huong Lake and a French-era palace.

Hoa Binh Theatre will be demolished to build a modern entertainment complex. A shopping centre and an underground parking lot will be built at Da Lat Market area.

Meanwhile, Dinh Tinh Truong, the former provincial governor's palace which was built by the French in 1910, will be relocated to make the way for a hi-end commercial and service area. Hotels and tourism services will be located at the area by Xuan Huong Lake.

However, many people, including experts, have opposed the plan, saying that it would harm historical sites.

Architecture Bui Thi Kim Dung said that Dinh Tinh Truong has become a symbol of Da Lat so its relocation would damage it.

According to other people, Dalat has seen a boom of high-rise buildings, which has affected the city’s natural beauty.

Sculpture artist Pham Van Hang said that Da Lat is well-known for its green space. It is essential to restore works which have deteriorated, but this needs to be considered how to protect the local natural beauty.

Dr. Architect Ngo Viet Nam Son said, more high-rise building projects have been conducted on Da Lat’s hills, which seemed to be a fault for the city’s tourism development strategy. Visitors come to Da Lat to enjoy its natural beauty, not to see such buildings.

Son suggested the restoration of Hoa Binh Theatre’s interior only, while preserving its exterior design as it is a historical site.

It is unsuitable to build underground parking lots because Da Lat’s roads are quite small, and particularly these works will encourage private vehicles to go into the city’s central areas.

This plan would only bring benefits for investors, but harm Da Lat’s environment, Son highlighted. He hoped that the plan would be re-considered to return Da Lat’s identify which has been attracting visitors.

Lao Dong/Dtinews