14 projects are currently under construction.
According to observations by a reporter from SGGP newspaper, the Phu Tho racetrack has been fenced off in sections. Workers are currently constructing and laying stones for the roads. These roads connect major traffic arteries such as Le Dai Hanh, Ly Thuong Kiet, Lu Gia, and Ba Thang Hai. Along Ly Thuong Kiet street, the renovation and repair project of the Phu Tho Gymnasium is nearing completion. This project, managed by the Ho Chi Minh City Civil and Industrial Construction Investment Project Management Board, commenced in April 2025 and is expected to be completed in 2026. The most prominent feature in this area is the Phu Tho Circus and Multi-Purpose Performance Hall on Lu Gia street, which is almost finished. The circular hall has a large dome, seating surrounding the main space, and a modern sound and lighting system. This project, which started in April 2023, is expected to be handed over this August.
Mr. Tran Anh Tuan, Director of the Investment and Construction Project Management Board of District 11, said that there are 14 investment and construction projects in the Phu Tho Racecourse area. Of these, the board is the investor for 6 projects, including: a new kindergarten construction project; a new high school construction project; a park and recreational area construction project for young people; a new public park construction project; an infrastructure and road construction project; and the renovation and expansion project of Nguyen Thi Nho Primary School.
In addition, eight projects managed by the Ho Chi Minh City Civil and Industrial Construction Investment Project Management Board include: the Phu Tho Circus and Multipurpose Performance Hall; the new construction project for Training Hall 1; the new construction project for Training Hall 2; the new construction project for the administrative area - Sports Medicine Department; the City Traditional Arts Center project; the renovation and repair project for the Phu Tho Gymnasium; the renovation and repair project for the Phu Tho Swimming and Diving Club; and the renovation and repair project for the Phu Tho Sports Training Hall.
Regarding construction progress, apart from the Phu Tho Circus and Multi-Purpose Performance Hall, which is almost complete, the remaining projects are being implemented. In particular, the public park project in the Phu Tho Racecourse area, covering over 7,000 square meters, is expected to begin construction in 2025. “The Phu Tho Racecourse area will not include any new high-rise buildings or apartment complexes, so it will not put pressure on urban infrastructure or traffic. The facilities within the racecourse will be designed based on the actual needs of the people and will primarily serve sports, recreation, and entertainment,” Mr. Tuan affirmed.
Preserve the grandstand area of the horse racing track.
Regarding the planning of Phu Tho Racecourse, Mr. Tran Anh Tuan informed that, prior to 2018, the city's policy was to cease organizing horse racing. Since then, the core area of the racecourse has been largely left empty, except for sports facilities. In 2018, the 1/2000 scale planning for the Phu Tho Racecourse area was developed by the former Ho Chi Minh City Department of Planning and Architecture and approved by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee.
According to the 1/2000 scale zoning plan approved by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee on June 22, 2018, the Phu Tho Racecourse area will be a multi-functional zone, combining existing and new construction. The mixed-use area will be located near the existing residential area in the northwest, forming a residential area with an expanded existing primary school, a kindergarten, and a concentrated green park area, meeting the social infrastructure needs of the community. Public facilities, parks, green spaces, schools, and underground parking will be located in the central area of the Phu Tho Racecourse. The existing horse racing grandstand will be preserved as a cultural value… Subsequently, on May 5, 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee issued a decision approving a partial adjustment to the 1/2000 scale zoning plan for the Phu Tho Racecourse area, adding underground space planning and connecting underground structures with above-ground structures.
Architect Khương Văn Mười, former Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Architects, shared that Phú Thọ was once the largest horse racing track, established nearly 100 years ago. This sport was introduced by the French. During its formation and development, the area saw the emergence of many apartment buildings. Simultaneously, the need for a large-scale circus with animal enclosures and training facilities arose. Therefore, the current planning of the Phú Thọ Racecourse is appropriate for socio-economic development.
Phu Tho Racetrack has existed for over 70 years.
In 1932, the Saigon Horse Racing Association purchased a plot of land exceeding 44 hectares in the Phu Tho area (currently located along Le Dai Hanh and Ly Thuong Kiet streets in Phu Tho ward) to build a racetrack. The Phu Tho racetrack was completed and opened in 1936, with a track length of 800-3,000 meters, ranking it among the largest horse racetracks in Asia. It quickly became a major sports and entertainment center in Saigon at that time.
After a long hiatus, Phu Tho Racecourse was restored in 1989 as the Phu Tho Sports Club, boasting nearly 600 racehorses and 70 jockeys. Races continued regularly, with legal betting and attracting local residents. In 2004, the Phu Tho Sports Club partnered with Thien Ma Co., Ltd. to upgrade infrastructure and operate more professionally, with approximately 850 horses. By 2011, horse racing had temporarily ceased, and the area was undergoing renovation as part of the city's urban planning.
NGUYEN ANH
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/truong-dua-phu-tho-khoac-ao-moi-post807533.html
Comment (0)