Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, Duong Duc Tuan, has agreed with the proposal from relevant departments and agencies to demolish the "Shark's Jaw" building. After the demolition of the "Shark's Jaw," the area is planned to be developed into an underground space, while simultaneously expanding Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square.

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The "Shark's Jaw" building was constructed on a plot of land larger than 300 square meters. Photo: Hoang Ha

In agreement with the demolition of the "Shark's Jaw" structure, the Hanoi People's Committee leadership instructed relevant agencies to study the possibility of constructing three underground levels in the area. These levels would function as cultural and commercial spaces (level 1) and parking areas (levels 2 and 3). Hanoi leaders noted that, if parking is not provided, the underground levels could be used as dual-purpose spaces.

According to VietNamNet's investigation, the "Shark's Jaw" building was constructed on the site of a former tram depot, facing Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and offering a panoramic view of Hoan Kiem Lake.

The "Shark's Jaw" building, designed by architect Ta Xuan Van, was started in the early 1990s and completed in 1993. The building sits on a plot of land approximately 310 square meters in size. It has six floors, with floors 2 to 5 housing restaurants and cafes, and the sixth floor offering panoramic views of Hoan Kiem Lake.

The history of the "Shark's Jaw" building is closely linked to Hanoi's tram industry. Specifically, after its completion in the 1990s, this building served as Hanoi's tram control center. In 2004, the Hanoi Tram Enterprise merged with Transerco (a state-owned enterprise under the Hanoi People's Committee), and the "Shark's Jaw" building was subsequently managed and operated by Transerco.

"After the sound of clanging trams faded from Hanoi, the Hanoi Tramway Enterprise merged with us to switch to a bus operating model. The 'Shark's Jaw' building has been operating as a business and service facility for over 20 years," a Transerco leader said.

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Demolishing the "Shark's Jaw" structure, Hanoi will expand the space of Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square. Photo: Hoang Ha.

Besides demolishing the "Shark's Jaw" structure, Hanoi is also studying the demolition and relocation of several 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 supported the Hanoi People's Committee's plan to demolish the "Shark's Jaw" building and relocate several agencies east of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Experts also believe that no further construction should take place in the Hoan Kiem Lake area and its surroundings. Hanoi needs to coordinate with relevant authorities to relocate structures that negatively impact the landscape of Hoan Kiem Lake. Simultaneously, the public space around Hoan Kiem Lake should be expanded.

'The shark-shaped structure has received criticism since its construction and needs to be demolished to make way for Hoan Kiem Lake.'

'The shark-shaped structure has received criticism since its construction and needs to be demolished to make way for Hoan Kiem Lake.'

Architect Tran Huy Anh believes that the "Shark's Jaw" building has received much criticism since its completion in the 1990s. Therefore, he supports demolishing the building to free up public space around Hoan Kiem Lake and expand Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square.
Hanoi demolishes the 'Shark's Jaw' building, renovates Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square.

Hanoi demolishes the 'Shark's Jaw' building, renovates Dong Kinh - Nghia Thuc Square.

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

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

The expansion of public space east of Hoan Kiem Lake aims to broaden public space while simultaneously enhancing the value of the Hoan Kiem Lake and surrounding areas, a special national historical site.