Authorities in Soc Son Commune, Hanoi, have approved the detailed 1:500 planning scheme for a 125-hectare multi-purpose entertainment complex featuring a horse racing venue, marking another milestone for the long-delayed US$420 million project.

The decision, signed by Trinh Van Duy, Vice Chairman of the Soc Son Commune People's Committee, is intended to implement the capital's long-term development strategy under the Hanoi Master Plan while making more effective use of land resources and creating a new recreational destination for residents and tourists.

The approved plan will also serve as the legal basis for investment management and the preparation of subsequent construction projects.

Large-scale entertainment and racing complex

According to the approved master plan, the project site is bordered by an inter-regional road to the north, the foothills of Doi Mountain to the south, the residential area of Xuan Duc Hamlet to the east, and the Hanoi–Thai Nguyen railway to the west.

The development will cover approximately 125 hectares, with around 93.7 hectares, or 75% of the site, allocated to the horse racing complex.

The racing zone will have a maximum building density of 65.5% and buildings of up to six stories.

Plans include:

A grandstand with capacity for 30,000 spectators
Two sand racing tracks
One 25-meter-wide turf racing track
Horse training and care facilities
Hotels, villas and commercial facilities

The project will also include a 3-hectare commercial and service area featuring: 30 four-star tourist villas available for rent; A three-star hotel with 254 rooms; A shopping center.

The remaining land will be developed with a landscaped lake, parks, green spaces and pedestrian walkways.

The project's investor is H&G Co., Ltd., a joint venture between Hanoi Tourist and South Korea's Global Consultant Network Co., Ltd.

Local authorities emphasized that the planning approval covers only zoning and land-use matters within their jurisdiction.

Before construction or operation can begin, the investor must complete all required procedures related to investment licensing, land use, construction permits and other sector-specific legal requirements under Vietnamese law.

The commune also stated that H&G bears full legal responsibility for the accuracy and authenticity of all submitted documents, data and commitments, and must comply with all applicable regulations throughout the project's implementation and operation.

Long-delayed project

H&G Co., Ltd. was established in November 2019.

The project received investment policy approval from the Prime Minister in September 2019 and was originally expected to become operational after 2021.

However, implementation stalled because of difficulties, including land acquisition.

In mid-2022, Hanoi authorities asked the Prime Minister to help resolve issues related to the recovery of the 125-hectare project site.

In early 2024, the former Soc Son District People's Committee sought public feedback on the project's detailed 1:500 planning proposal.

The integrated entertainment and horse racing complex is expected to involve total investment of approximately US$420 million.

Hong Khanh