Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Planning and Architecture has proposed a temporary halt to renovation works at two of the city’s most iconic sites - Ben Thanh Market and Turtle Lake - citing discrepancies in design and mounting public concern over aesthetic choices.

The proposal, submitted to the Department of Construction, comes amid ongoing renovations sponsored and carried out by Khang Dien Housing Development and Investment Corporation. The project was approved by the HCMC People’s Committee to revamp seven key locations across the city center, including Nguyen Hue, Dong Khoi, Ham Nghi, Hai Ba Trung streets, the roundabouts at Phu Dong and Turtle Lake, and the square in front of Ben Thanh Market.

However, according to the Department of Planning and Architecture, some of these public spaces - particularly Ben Thanh Square and the Turtle Lake roundabout - hold distinctive symbolic and architectural significance that has not been adequately respected during the facelift process.

Field observations and community feedback revealed widespread concern over the color schemes, design harmony, and visual coherence of the renovated areas. Authorities noted that in some cases, the execution on site diverged notably in both scope and palette from previously approved plans.

It remains unclear whether certain changes - especially in color and layout - were submitted to or approved by the relevant oversight bodies. These modifications have directly impacted the visual identity of their surroundings, prompting planners to recommend a temporary pause in further work at the two highlighted sites.

The Department has also requested Khang Dien Corporation to urgently submit its detailed construction plans and formally explain the observed differences from the original proposals.

Ben Thanh Market, a heritage structure listed in the city’s official inventory, must retain its original design features and color, according to the Department of Culture and Sports. Any repainting must strictly adhere to its historical appearance, preserving original patterns and decorative elements.

Though not a listed heritage site, Turtle Lake is considered a deeply rooted urban symbol, etched into the collective memory of HCMC residents. As such, planners emphasized that any restoration work must honor the lake’s established color tones, ensure material quality, and follow technical standards.

In response, the Department of Construction confirmed receipt of the proposal on February 2. It stated that renovation efforts at Ben Thanh Market and Turtle Lake had so far complied with relevant regulations.

According to the department, upgrades to Ben Thanh and nearby public features - such as the tower fountain, surrounding pathways, and storefront facades near Turtle Lake - have refreshed the urban landscape, making it cleaner and more visually appealing. These enhancements have attracted both public praise and lively social media attention as locals flock to the revitalized areas for photos and visits.

For Ben Thanh Market in particular, restoration efforts have focused on architectural conservation: repainting using the original color palette, structural cleaning, and maintaining decorative details. The department said it has welcomed public input and collaborated closely with the sponsor to adjust certain elements - including paint color - based on community feedback.

Regarding the bold paint used on the Ben Thanh square roundabout, the department clarified that the current color scheme is temporary, applied only to the inner traffic island while a comprehensive plan for an underground traffic hub and public plaza is under preparation. The surface paint, it added, can be easily replaced to suit different aesthetic or thematic contexts over time.

Officials also acknowledged the sponsor’s “positive and committed” approach to revitalizing the city’s architectural core and said the renovation remains aligned with preservation guidelines - balancing culture and design, history and modernity.

Back in mid-January, the city approved the urban renewal of seven central locations, aiming to refresh their appearance in time for the Tet (Lunar New Year) celebrations. Khang Dien was appointed as both sponsor and executor, with a target completion date of February 10. The Department of Construction is serving as lead coordinator, working alongside other departments and local authorities.

Yet as implementation progressed, some aesthetic and design choices - particularly at Ben Thanh Market and Turtle Lake - have sparked significant public discourse on the balance between modernization and cultural preservation.

Tuan Kiet