Hanoi Accelerates Land Clearance for Đặng Thai Mai Road and Ngọc Trai Pearl Theater Projects

Accelerating Land Clearance Solutions

On September 27, the People’s Committee of Tay Ho Ward (Hanoi City) reported on the progress of two key projects in the area: the construction of the Dang Thai Mai Road (Phase I) and the Pearl Theater along with the Thematic Arts and Culture Park on Quang An Peninsula. These projects play a crucial role in creating new cultural and artistic spaces for the capital and have been approved by both central and city authorities.

Specifically, the Dang Thai Mai Road (Phase I) project involves a total land reclamation area of 48,338.6 m², affecting 108 households, 71 organizations, and 5 plots managed by the ward. The land types include 3,123.6 m² of residential land, 23,531 m² of agricultural land, and 12,260.6 m² of transportation land. The road is identified as a vital artery, reducing congestion and opening up new development spaces on Quang An Peninsula.

Regarding compensation and support, 150 out of 184 land plots, totaling over 30,192 m², have had their compensation plans approved. Among these, 123 households have received payments and handed over the land. However, 27 cases, covering approximately 13,107 m², remain unresolved due to issues related to spontaneous agricultural land origins and unauthorized land-use conversions. For these cases, the ward is applying special support mechanisms as guided by the City People’s Committee.

Alongside transportation infrastructure, the Pearl Theater and Thematic Arts and Culture Park project is also progressing. The total land reclamation area for this project is 212,730 m², involving 367 households and 1 organization.

In the initial phase, the Pearl Theater will be constructed on an area of 93,339 m², designed to float on Dam Tri’s water surface, standing approximately 38 meters tall, inspired by the shape of a pearl. The project is expected to break ground in October 2025 and is anticipated to become a new cultural and artistic symbol of the capital, capable of hosting international events.

Accordingly, the Tay Ho Ward People’s Committee has issued decisions approving compensation plans for 5 land plots and completed status surveys for 86 other cases. It is noted that in Phase 2, the construction of the Thematic Arts and Culture Park will face significant challenges due to the large reclamation area, with many households having unauthorized land-use conversions and unpaid taxes, requiring resolute action from authorities and flexible application of support mechanisms to build consensus among residents.

According to the plan, the Tay Ho Ward People’s Committee aims to complete the approval of all land clearance plans by September 2025 and initiate forced land reclamation for the remaining areas in October, ensuring clean land handover for both projects. This is a high-pressure task but is identified as a top priority to realize key projects within the city’s “Green Lane” list of 10 projects.

Commitment to “Correct and Complete Procedures”

Regarding project implementation progress in the ward, Mr. Dang Van Hoi, Director of the Infrastructure Investment Project Management Board of Tay Ho Ward, stated that land clearance is always the most challenging aspect of infrastructure and urban projects, especially in central areas like Quang An Peninsula. Many households are reluctant to hand over land due to interests related to self-converted agricultural land.

“The consistent stance of Tay Ho Ward is to implement ‘correct and complete procedures’ while proposing mechanisms to the city to ensure residents receive the highest support levels as per legal regulations,” Mr. Hoi stated.

For eligible households, instead of apartment resettlement, land resettlement will be considered. The Ward People’s Committee has submitted a proposal for land allocation in Thu Lam Commune to ensure fair resident benefits.

Land clearance for the Thematic Arts and Culture Park project will face difficulties due to many households converting land for business purposes without tax declarations. The principle Tay Ho Ward will follow is to respect planning and ensure a balance between state and resident interests.

Regarding communication and resident mobilization strategies, Mr. Nguyen Manh Tien, Head of the Ward Party Building Committee, emphasized that this is a key solution to completing the city’s assigned land clearance tasks. “To implement the project, the ward will intensify communication, mobilization, and consensus-building among residents, while promoting the pioneering spirit of officials, party members, and union members,” Mr. Tien stated.

Director Dang Van Hoi added that the ward’s approach is to propose the city allow maximum application of legal regulations within the support framework for land clearance. This ensures both discipline and encourages resident consensus in project implementation. For special cases, the ward will seek city opinions, ensuring “no resident is disadvantaged.”