25/02/2026
The proposal for local adjustments to the 1/2000 scale zonal planning for Subdivision No. 1 in the Thu Thiem New Urban Area, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, is drawing significant attention, particularly regarding the increase in building heights for several plots. The centerpiece of this proposal is plot 1.K1.8.HH, covering approximately 1.26 hectares, which is proposed to have its height increased from a maximum of 30 floors to 99 floors, corresponding to a height increase from 120m to 500m. This plot is designated as mixed-use residential and service land and is expected to become part of the International Financial Center.
This adjustment is not random but stems from a thorough review process and the city's new development requirements. Below are the primary reasons outlined in the draft:
1. The necessity of reorganizing Ho Chi Minh City's central urban space
According to the explanatory document, following its merger and development process, Ho Chi Minh City faces an urgent need to reorganize its central urban space. In particular, the demand for space dedicated to administrative, political, financial, and city-level public functions is becoming increasingly vital. This requires a more rational and concentrated arrangement to optimize operational efficiency and development.
2. Fragmentation of existing administrative and public works
A review of the implementation of the 1/2000 scale zonal planning for Subdivision No. 1 revealed that the system of administrative and political buildings, along with several key public works, is currently scattered. This fragmentation fails to meet scale and working condition requirements and lacks concentration. Consequently, it creates difficulties in management and inter-agency coordination, reducing the city's overall management and development efficiency.
3. Policy to establish an International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City
Another key driver is the implementation of Central and City policies regarding pilot specific mechanisms to form an International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City. Subdivision No. 1, with its crucial role, is identified as the ideal space to concentrate public, cultural, and financial works. Constructing a 99-story tower will create a landmark and a symbol for this financial hub, attracting investment and boosting economic growth.
4. Adjusting inappropriate locations and spatial relationships
The review process also indicated that some locations for public investment projects, public works, and functional blocks in the Thu Thiem Central Lake area are currently unsuitable in terms of location and spatial relationships relative to new development requirements. This creates an urgent need for research to rearrange and adjust these elements synchronously to create a more harmonious and efficient whole.
5. Goal of building the Ho Chi Minh City Political-Administrative Center
Based on the above reasons, the local adjustment of the 1/2000 scale planning for Subdivision No. 1 primarily aims to allocate appropriate space for the construction of the Ho Chi Minh City Political-Administrative Center. Simultaneously, this will help rearrange and adjust the positions and architectural planning criteria for related functional blocks, such as the Financial Center, city-level public works, and greenery systems. These adjustments are deemed necessary and consistent with the review results, meeting the city's long-term development needs.
