After 47 years of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day, especially after 25 years of Da Nang's recognition as centrally-governed city, Da Nang has turned itself into one of the country’s major socio-economic hubs. In particular, Hai Chau District is dubbed the city’s development urban hub.

An urban corner of Hai Chau District seen from above. Photo: HOANG HIEP

Spacious urban appearance

In the midst of many difficulties and challenges in the early years after liberation, the construction of the Hoa Cuong apartment building in the early 1980s with a relatively complete residential area infrastructure made breakthroughs in urban planning, construction and urban development in Da Nang in general and Hai Chau District in particular.

In March 1985, the Trung Vuong Theater, and the Da Nang Trade and Service Centre (also known as the Con Market), were inaugurated and put into operation. Five years later, the Han, Hoa Thuan and Moi markets were built and put into use.

In 1995, the city planned to build the East - West road (currently known as Nguyen Van Linh Street) and Thac Gian, Vinh Trung and Nam Duong residential areas.

Also in 1995, downtown Hoang Dieu and Quang Trung streets were widened and upgraded, whilst the Dam Rong area was renovated.

Since Da Nang was recognised as centrally-governed city on January 1, 1997, Hai Chau District authorities have mobilised citizens to build and embellish urban infrastructure.

The focus has been on upgrading and widening a number of major streets such as Dong Da, Le Duan and Nguyen Thien Thuat, as well as concretising small roads and alleys.

In addition, some new residential areas have been constructed across the city, including Khue Trung, Hoa Cuong, Hoa Thuan, Thuan Phuoc and Thanh Binh, along with such major works as September 2 and Nguyen Tat Thanh Streets, and the Han River Bridge.

The urban appearance of the district is increasingly spacious and open with the central urban area being upgraded and developed, and the infrastructure is relatively synchronously invested.

In the district, many major roads have been embellished, and five more beautiful bridges spanning the Han River have been built, namely Thuan Phuoc, Han River, Dragon, Tran Thi Ly, and Tien Son.

Moreover, many new traffic works have been constructed, including a road tunnel to take Tran Phu under the busy junction with Le Duan, and the traffic infrastructure work at western end of Tran Thi Ly Bridge.

Besides, a number of specialised shopping and eating areas have been developed such as Nguyen Van Linh, Phan Chau Trinh, Hoang Dieu, Le Duan, Bach Dang, September 2, and Hung Vuong.

Compressed urban areas, central square, living museum to be formed

Following the Prime Minister-approved Da Nang Master Plan by 2030, with a vision towards 2045, Hai Chau District is identified as a socio-economic development, and cultural hub in the city.

As planned, the city centre area will be formed on a total area of about 631ha with the core administration located in Hai Chau District.

The characteristics of this urban centre will be commerce, tourism operations and historical values.

The planned urban design targets at turning Da Nang’s urban centre into a ‘tourism magnet’.

The centre will feature easily - accessible sites via a network of river / seaside promenades, green corridors and pedestrian streets.

Additionally, the district plans to widen some roads with a 4m-wide roadbed, upgrade small roads and alleys, build more underground, floating and smart parking garages, and constructing new parks, gardens and cultural institutions in the locality.

Especially, Hai Chau District is oriented to form a compressed urban area, with a focus on effectively exploiting services and infrastructure, creating a city centre with convenient and friendly traffic.

At the same time, some underground works will be built to ensure economical and efficient use of land in the city centre, and ensure environmental protection and defence security.

Hai Chau District will be a highlight for Da Nang urban area with the development of Central Square associated with Dien Hai Citadel, the Museum of Da Nang, and the Administration Centre.

Besides, a living museum will also be created with such typical locations as Hai Chau Communal Village House, and a traditional market connected to the Central Square, park, church, theatre, etc.

Reporting by HOANG HIEP - Translating by M.DUNG