The Ministry of National Defense has officially released the detailed zoning plan for the Ba Dinh Square expansion project at a 1:500 scale, following a recent approval by the Prime Minister.

Earlier this June, the Prime Minister approved the detailed planning content for expanding Ba Dinh Square. The project area is situated within the Ba Dinh political center in Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.

The site borders the existing Ba Dinh Square lawn to the north, Chua Mot Cot Street to the south, Doc Lap Street to the east, and Hung Vuong Street to the west, covering a total area of approximately 7,191 square meters.

The expanded space will feature 28 lawn sections combined with a concrete-gravel pathway system, seamlessly connected to the current layout of Ba Dinh Square. Hung Vuong Street will be restored to match the approved planning profile and road boundary specifications.

The layout, architecture, and landscape must comply with the control parameters defined in the 1:2,000-scale master zoning plan for the Ba Dinh political center. It must also avoid affecting adjacent architectural spaces and meet safety standards in traffic, fire prevention, and environmental hygiene.

Green spaces and open areas will be integrated to connect surrounding zones, ensuring harmony across the area. All trees will meet current urban standards for size and species.

President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square are not only major cultural and architectural landmarks but also sites of profound historical and national significance. The square’s lawn is a vital part of the complex and is regularly maintained by the Mausoleum Management Board.

Currently, the master plan for Ba Dinh Square’s lawn faces interference from a southern villa complex, which obstructs views from Chua Mot Cot Street toward the Mausoleum and National Assembly building. This disrupts the solemn atmosphere and architectural integrity of the historic Ba Dinh area.

Surrounding auxiliary spaces should be renovated and upgraded to serve as rest stops for visitors attending memorial activities or political and cultural events. These include the southern gardens at the end of Doc Lap Street.

Investing in new infrastructure to support visitor reception and communication efforts by the Mausoleum Management Board is deemed urgent and appropriate to the Ba Dinh political center plan.

In mid-June, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh tasked Hanoi authorities with overseeing land clearance and upgrading Ba Dinh Square in preparation for the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, including a military parade and public procession.

Tran Thuong