Lam Dong considers building large project in the area of the Governor's Palace in Da Lat

Lam Dong authorities are considering a large-scale project proposal in the area of the 113-year-old Provincial Governor's Palace, instead recommending moderate construction when planning.

The content is stated in the conclusion announcement of Chairman of Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee Tran Van Hiep after a recent working session with departments, branches and experts on local adjustment of the detailed urban planning 1/500 of Hoa Binh central area, Da Lat city, where the Provincial Governor's Palace is located.

Governor's Palace area, Da Lat City, November 2021. Photo: Quynh Tran — Governor's Palace area, Da Lat City, November 2021. Photo: *Quynh Tran*

The move by the head of Lam Dong government came more than 4 years after the planning project for the central area of Da Lat was announced, in which the Governor's Palace would be relocated to build a high-end commercial and service area. The plan then met with many mixed opinions, so in August 2020, the province sought opinions from people and experts on the optimal architectural plan for the Governor's Palace area.

In the above conclusion, the provincial People's Committee leaders have not approved this project and requested further review, research, and criticism. The provincial government stated that the plan to adjust the planning of this area needs to specifically propose fundamental solutions to resolve the difficulties and social issues that have arisen in the past.

Regarding the Governor's Palace, Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee assigned the Department of Construction (the focal agency) to consider proposing large-scale projects during the planning adjustment process, instead, it should intersperse medium-scale projects to ensure harmony not only locally but also in the entire central area of Hoa Binh; associated with promoting the culture and economy of the area...

Responding to VnExpress , Mr. Ngo Van Ninh, spokesman for Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee, said that the authorities were asked to review the planning, but have not yet decided to stop relocating the Provincial Governor's Palace.

The Governor's Palace is located on a high hill in the center of Da Lat City. Photo: Khanh Huong — The Governor's Palace is located on a high hill in the center of Da Lat City. Photo: *Khanh Huong*

The Governor's Palace is located on a 4.43-hectare pine hill, built by the French before 1910, more than 2 km from the center of Da Lat city. This was once the residence and workplace of the mayor of Da Lat and the governor of Tuyen Duc province (former name of Lam Dong province). Currently, the building is under the management of the Lam Dong Cultural Center.

According to the chosen plan, the palace area will be built with a 10-storey hotel, the palace building will be kept intact and upgraded to become the Dalat Museum in a new location (28 m higher), open to visitors... When the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee asked for opinions in 2021, the Vietnam Association of Architects did not agree to upgrade the Governor's Palace.

In September this year, the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee moved the above-mentioned ancient building from group one to group two. Group one villas, when renovated, must maintain the original exterior architectural form, interior structure, construction density, number of floors and height. Group two villas only need to maintain the original exterior architectural form.