The six-story commercial centre at No.7 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, completed in 1993 and currently hosting a range of cafes and restaurants and clothing shops, will be replaced with underground space extending beneath the existing square and its expanded area. 

This initiative aims to enhance the planning, organisation and architectural landscape of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, a symbolic landmark of Hanoi in this downtown centre and tourist hot spot.

Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Duong Duc Tuan emphasised that Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square holds high historical and cultural value, serving as a crucial link between two key areas of the Special National Monument of Hoan Kiem Lake (to the north) and the National Historic Site of the Old Quarter (to the south).

The Hanoi People's Committee supports research and investment in the renovation, beautification, and redesign of this space. This project will be implemented alongside other public space improvements around Hoan Kiem Lake.

Hanoi People's Committee has endorsed the Department of Planning and Architecture’s recommendation to finalise a dedicated urban design framework for the project. The scope includes Dinh Tien Hoang Street; key surrounding streets of Cau Go, Hoan Kiem Street; the facades of major buildings, including Long Van – Hong Van, Ho Guom Cultural Information Centre and Thuy Ta Building.

The Hoan Kiem District People's Committee has been tasked with developing an urban design plan for the square and nearby streets, following Vietnam’s Urban Planning Law, Architecture Law, and relevant government regulations. After finalising the proposal, it will be reviewed by the city's Architecture Council before implementation.

The committee has approved the demolition of the ‘Shark Jaw’ building and its replacement with a three-level underground structure. The new underground space will include cultural and commercial spaces in the first basement, and parking areas, with the possibility of using them for multipurpose functions if parking is not required in the second and third basement.

The layout at the corners of Dinh Tien Hoang Street and Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square will be adjusted to comply with urban planning and design standards.

Alternative access to the underground levels will be explored from Dinh Liet Street to minimise disruption to the square’s connection with Cau Go Street and the pedestrian zone.

Mechanised lift platforms, potentially combined with staircases, will be introduced at key entry points to improve accessibility.

The committee has also requested additional studies on the impact of the project on the surrounding landscape and public spaces. These include an assessment of how the changes will affect the facades of surrounding buildings, including the Long Van-Hong Van Building, the Thuy Ta Building, the Ho Guom Cultural Information Centre and nearby residential areas; the strategic placement of a stage within the square and along the radial streets leading to the square; a comprehensive plan for greenery in the square, with special provisions for preserving heritage trees; and a detailed lighting system design, including the placement of lighting towers and the overall illumination plan.

This project represents a significant step toward preserving Hanoi’s historic character while modernising its public spaces for future generations. 

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