Hanoi Eyes Four-Level Underground Space Beneath Opera House

Hanoi is considering the development of a four-level underground space beneath the French-colonial era Opera House as part of its urban redevelopment plans for the historic area. The proposal, part of adjustments to urban subdivision plans H1-1B and H1-1C at a 1:2,000 scale, is currently open for public feedback. The study area spans approximately 32.51 hectares across Hoan Kiem and Cua Nam wards, bordered by Cau Go Street to the north, Hang Trong Street to the west, Hai Ba Trung Street to the south, and Ly Thai To and Tran Quang Khai streets to the east. Planners are examining underground spaces at key sites near public buildings, squares, parks, and transport hubs to enhance connectivity between above-ground and below-ground areas. Specifically, at the Opera House and the cultural and art complex to its south, a four-level underground facility is proposed, intended to integrate with cultural venues and public spaces. Underground pedestrian routes are also being considered to link Trang Tien Street, the Hanoi Opera House, and surrounding areas. The presentation also shows a plan to expand the Opera House complex with an outdoor stage and cultural facilities serving local residents. A stage on the right-hand front facade of the Hanoi Opera House. Photo by Doan Thang Long A key element of the Red River urban subdivision adjustment at a 1:5,000 scale is fostering connections between the urban core and riverside areas. The stretch from Thang Long Bridge to Thanh Tri Bridge is envisioned as the central section of the Red River subdivision, incorporating public, cultural, commercial, service, and landscape functions alongside river-oriented urban redevelopment. However, the consultation documents do not yet detail a separate underground pedestrian route running directly from the Opera House to parks along the Red River. Therefore, the proposed underground route near the Opera House and the broader initiative to connect the urban core with the Red River should be viewed as two related planning components rather than a single, established continuous route. The dossier also includes studies for a four-level shared underground complex east of Hoan Kiem Lake, encompassing the municipal People's Committee headquarters and Ly Thai To Park. This facility would accommodate transport, parking, technical infrastructure, public, and appropriate service functions, while exploring a link to the C9 urban railway station. Following public consultation, the proposals will undergo further study and refinement before formal appraisal and approval. Subsidiary of VnExpress License number: 71/GP-CBC, Ministry of Information andCommunications, September 22, 2021 Editor-in-Chief: Pham Van Hieu Email: [email protected]: 028 7300 9999 - Ext 8556 10th floor, Block A FPT Tower, 10 Pham Van Bach, Cau Giay Ward, Hanoi