On April 21, 2025, the "Hàm cá mập" building, located at 7 Đinh Tiên Hoàng in Hoàn Kiếm District, officially began its demolition after standing for over 30 years. This marked a significant step in the urban renovation plan for the central area of Hanoi, aiming to revitalize public spaces.
As the demolition commenced, numerous businesses operating within the building started dismantling their equipment and belongings. Reports indicated that restaurants and cafes were racing against time to finish moving their items out. Notably, essential items such as air conditioners, glass panels, and signage were being transported to facilitate the handover of the premises, as stipulated by local authorities.
According to the Hanoi People's Committee Office, the site clearance for the Đông Kinh-Nghĩa Thục Square renovation project is set to be completed before April 30, 2025. The above-ground construction is expected to be finished by September 2, 2025, with plans for underground facilities to follow afterward.
On the ground, trucks were seen waiting at the foot of the building to assist in transporting the items. The urgency of the situation was palpable, with business owners working diligently to clear out their spaces. Notices were posted indicating that the building would cease operations as of April 21, 2025, emphasizing the shift in the area.
The demolition of the "Hàm cá mập" building is not merely a structural change; it represents a shift in urban planning philosophy. Local officials have stated that this project aims to reclaim public space for the community, contributing to a greener, cleaner, and more beautiful Hanoi.
Constructed between 1991 and 1993, the "Hàm cá mập" building was managed by the Hanoi Transport Corporation (Transerco) and was a six-story structure with a floor area of approximately 390 m². The first floor was primarily occupied by retail outlets selling shoes and bags, while the upper floors housed various dining establishments. Despite its controversial design, which many criticized for disfiguring the landscape around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, the building was a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
As the demolition progresses, businesses have been observed hastily packing their goods. A long-standing fashion store on the first floor had staff actively preparing products for relocation. Meanwhile, on the third floor, workers were seen dismantling the interior ceiling, wood, metal fixtures, and lighting.
The Hoàn Kiếm District People's Committee has proposed that the city assign the district as the lead for the demolition, including moving any underground facilities and restoring infrastructure to align with the new urban landscape. The area designated for the Đông Kinh-Nghĩa Thục Square renovation is approximately 1.2 hectares, with plans to connect the square to surrounding streets, enhancing community accessibility.
The boundaries of the proposed square extend along Hàng Gai and Cầu Gỗ streets to the north, with Hoàn Kiếm Lake and Thủy Tạ house to the south. This renovation is expected to create a vibrant public area, including three underground floors that will accommodate cultural and commercial spaces, as well as parking facilities.
As the building's roof was removed, revealing only the steel frame, the ongoing dismantling highlighted the architectural controversies that have surrounded the structure since its inception. The name "Hàm cá mập," which translates to "Shark Jaw," reflects the widespread criticism of the building's design, perceived as an eyesore in a historically significant area.
Despite its architectural flaws, the "Hàm cá mập" building has been a notable landmark, attracting a diverse clientele, particularly young people and international tourists. The rental prices in this prime location are quite steep, with ground floor rates ranging from 150 to 200 USD (approximately 3.8 to 5.1 million VND) per square meter. Even as you move up the building, rental prices do not drop below 100 USD per square meter.
As the community prepares for this transformation, the removal of the "Hàm cá mập" building signifies more than just the end of an era; it embodies a commitment to evolving urban planning strategies that prioritize public space and community needs. The anticipation surrounding the new developments reflects a collective hope for a more aesthetically pleasing and functional urban environment.
With the demolition underway and plans for the new square taking shape, residents and city planners alike are looking forward to a revitalized Hoàn Kiếm District that honors its cultural heritage while embracing modernity.
