HCM City authorities are planning to expand the pedestrianised area to Ben Thanh Market and 23th September Park.

Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street

HCM City Department of Planning and Architecture said nearly 60 hectares in the city's centre would used as public parks, doubling the current park area. About 4.4 hectares will be turned into city squares and public places. Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street is its first successful project.

However, there are still many shortcomings such as the heat during summer time and lack of space for commercial activities, greenery, and decorations to attract visitors. From Nguyen Hue Street, the city authorities will expand the pedestrianised area to other streets.

Nguyen Hue and Le Loi streets will be turned into shopping centres and the roundabout area in front of Ben Thanh Market will be pedestrianised. 

According to HCM City Department of Planning and Architecture, the Nguyen Hue-Le Loi intersection will become the most important area in the city with many large-scale shopping centres. 

It proposed dividing the design task into two phases. Firstly, they will prioritise the landscape planning around Saigon Opera House, plant more trees and install public utilities along Nguyen Hue Street. The city will also put up more fountains, gardens and decorations around the Saigon Opera House as well as the junction of Le Loi and Nguyen Hue.

In the second phase, landscaping along Le Loi Street will be completed and synchronised with development on Ham Nghi, Nguyen Hue and Ton Duc Thang streets.

Dtinews