A pedestrian walkway along the Sai Gon River, Dong Khoi Street and Nguyen Hue Street to Ben Thanh Market will be built as part of a plan to expand the City center in the near future.
The Thu Thiem new urban area, located in the Thu Thiem peninsula, opposite District 1 across the Saigon River will also be linked and will become a highlight of the city to form the most modern trade and entertainment center in Southern Vietnam.
The HCM City Department of Planning and Architecture is designing the walkway plan with assistance from Spanish experts.
The route is being designed based on the theme, “Bringing the city to the Waterways” showing the city’s special characteristics and its hundred-year old history.
Wide pavements, tree lined avenues, lighting systems and advertisement hoardings will be aesthetically designed, said Huynh Xuan Thu, director of the Exhibition and Communication Center of the HCM City Department of Planning and Architecture.
There will be souvenir shops, cafes, benches and artworks displayed along pavements, he added.
The walking route will not only be for pedestrians, but also for public transport of low frequency, according to the director.
According to Ph.D Nguyen Thi Hau, deputy head of the HCM City Research and Development Institute, the views of the state and the people will be incorporated so that more people can donate capital for the project and also contribute their ideas. The State however will play the main role in planning, building and designing as well as funding the project.
If residents choose to participate in the project, they will receive due acknowledgement for their efforts.
Many local authorities in cities around the world usually encourage residents to decorate the front of their houses in accordance with traffic safety and fire regulations. This strengthens their love for the city.
The state should also call enterprises to take part in the project under the advertising regulations, Hau added.
