Central city Da Nang plans central square

The city said the project, which would cost around VND700 billion (US$31 million), would help connect the Han River bank from Bach Dang street to downtown Phan Chau Trinh, Nguyen Thai Hoc and Hung Vuong streets, night markets and shopping centres in Le Duan and Pham Hong Thai streets and the city’s administrative centre.

The square would be a pedestrian area and entertainment space for local and tourists.

According to the city’s construction department, a design contest has been launched challenging domestic and foreign companies to create the most spectacular plan for the future square.

The city will select the best design to develop the project in a ‘green’, peaceful and friendly style.

The project is included in the city’s downtown master development plan of a 130ha for finance, banking, trade and services.

Da Nang aims to transform itself into a ‘green’ city by 2025 and an economic hub of the central region that plays a central role in boosting development in the central and Central Highlands regions.

The city has faced some serious challenges during its rapid urbanisation--from 5,600ha in 1997 to its current 21,300ha--but a lack of recreational and shopping centres also puts the tourist industry at a disadvantage.

According to experts and economists, the city has yet to build ‘international-standard centres for sports, shopping, trade, night life and finance.

In November, the Government issued special regulations concerning investment, budgetary status and decentralisation for Da Nang.

The city has hosted 5.5 million tourists, including 1.6 million foreigners, in 2016.

Last year, the city also debuted a major downtown shopping centre in Le Duan street and a night cuisine market in Huynh Thuc Khang street.

The city built a main square in September, but it was used as a performance space rather than an entertainment and tourism attraction.