Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Duong Duc Tuan has just agreed with the proposal of departments and branches to demolish the "Shark Jaw" building. After demolishing "Shark Jaw", this area will be oriented to become underground space, while expanding Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square.

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The "Shark Jaws" building was built on a land area of ​​more than 300 square meters. Photo: Hoang Ha

Agreeing with the demolition of “Shark Jaws”, the leaders of Hanoi People’s Committee assigned the authorities to study this area and build 3 basements in this area with the function of cultural and commercial space (basement 1); parking area (basement 2,3). Hanoi leaders noted that in case of no parking arrangement, the basement can be used as a dual-use space.

According to VietNamNet reporters, the "Shark Jaw" building was built on the site of an old tram factory, overlooking Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and has a panoramic view of Hoan Kiem Lake.

The “Shark Jaw” building, designed by architect Ta Xuan Van, began construction in the early 1990s and was completed in 1993. The building is located on a plot of land of approximately 310 square meters. The building has 6 floors, of which floors 2 to 5 are restaurants and cafes, and the 6th floor has a panoramic view of Hoan Kiem Lake.

The history of the “Shark Jaw” building is closely linked to the Hanoi tram industry. Specifically, after its completion in the 1990s, this building was the Hanoi tram operating station. In 2004, the Hanoi Tram Enterprise merged with Transerco (a state-owned enterprise under the Hanoi People’s Committee), and the “Shark Jaw” building was managed and operated by Transerco.

“After a period of time when Hanoi no longer had the sound of electric cars, the Hanoi Electric Vehicle Enterprise merged with us to change the bus operation model. The “Shark Jaw” building has changed its business and service model for more than 20 years,” said a Transerco leader.

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After demolishing the "Shark Jaws", Hanoi will expand the space of Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square. Photo: Hoang Ha

Not only demolishing the "Shark Jaw", Hanoi City is also researching the demolition and relocation of a number of agencies east of Hoan Kiem Lake, including the Northern Power Corporation, the National Power Transmission Corporation, the Hanoi Power Corporation, the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports and dozens of households.

Speaking with VietNamNet reporters, many urban architecture experts support the plan to demolish the "Shark Jaw" building and relocate some agencies east of Hoan Kiem Lake of the Hanoi People's Committee.

Experts also said that no more constructions should be built in the Hoan Kiem Lake area and its vicinity. Hanoi needs to coordinate with the authorities to relocate the constructions that affect the landscape of Hoan Kiem Lake. At the same time, expand the public space around Hoan Kiem Lake.

'Shark Jaw has been criticized since its construction, it should be demolished to make way for Hoan Kiem Lake'

'Shark Jaw has been criticized since its construction, it should be demolished to make way for Hoan Kiem Lake'

Architect Tran Huy Anh said that the "Shark Jaw" building has received many negative comments since its completion in the 1990s. Therefore, he supports demolishing this building, reserving land for public space at Hoan Kiem Lake, and expanding Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square.
Hanoi demolishes 'Shark Jaws' building, renovates Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square

Hanoi demolishes 'Shark Jaws' building, renovates Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square

Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Duong Duc Tuan approved the proposal to demolish the "Shark Jaw" building to renovate Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square.
Hanoi plans to relocate some agencies and expand public space around Hoan Kiem Lake.

Hanoi plans to relocate some agencies and expand public space around Hoan Kiem Lake.

The expansion of public space to the east of Hoan Kiem Lake aims to expand public space while promoting the spatial value of the special national relic of Hoan Kiem Lake and its vicinity.