16/05/2024
The new urban area of Thu Thiem in Thủ Đức City, Ho Chi Minh City, is evolving into a multifunctional center with modern infrastructure and a variety of cultural, financial, and entertainment facilities. Situated on the eastern bank of the Saigon River and directly connected to District 1, this urban area promises to become a significant urban highlight. The article will explore the development process and future of Thu Thiem, reflecting the dynamic urban transformation of the city.
Nearly three decades after its planning, the Thu Thiem urban area has witnessed fundamental development, with the implementation of infrastructure projects and the construction of large urban residential areas.
Thu Thiem urban area, located on the eastern bank of the Saigon River and adjacent to District 1, was approved for planning by the government in 1996. Situated within the jurisdiction of Thu Duc City, formerly a part of District 2, Ho Chi Minh City envisions developing Thu Thiem into a diverse center with premium financial, cultural, commercial, high-end service, recreational, and entertainment facilities. This project is expected to have many significant highlights, contributing to creating a modern living and working space and attracting attention and high praise from both domestic and international perspectives.
Thu Thiem urban area is located in the administrative regions of An Khanh, Thu Thiem, and An Loi Dong wards and a part of Binh An Binh Khanh wards of Thu Duc City. The total area of this urban area is 657 hectares.
When discussing the infrastructure of the new Thu Thiem urban area, it is impossible not to mention the main axes that play a crucial role, such as boulevards, which are the backbone of the transportation system. Among these, Mai Chi Tho Boulevard stands out with its significant traffic flow, along with circular routes and bridges such as Thu Thiem Bridge, Ba Son Bridge, and Thu Thiem Tunnel. These structures not only ensure connectivity within the area but also connect Thu Thiem with neighboring areas and the city center, facilitating movement and socio-economic development.
Thu Thiem Tunnel is the most advanced river-crossing tunnel in Southeast Asia, which has been operational since 2011, connecting the East-West Boulevard of Ho Chi Minh City, from Vo Van Kiet Street towards District 1 to Mai Chi Tho Street towards District 2 (now Thu Duc City). With a length of 1.49 kilometers, a width of 33 meters, and a height of 9 meters, this tunnel has six lanes for both cars and motorcycles, along with emergency exits on both sides of the road. The designed speed of the tunnel is 60 km/h, making traffic safer and more convenient for the city's residents and transportation.
Mai Chi Tho Boulevard is not only an important route connecting the eastern gateway to the center of Ho Chi Minh City but also an indispensable part of the East-West Boulevard. This route is located within the administrative boundaries of Thu Duc City, with a length of over 6 kilometers, starting from the Saigon River crossing tunnel and ending at the Cat Lai - Hanoi Highway intersection. From Mai Chi Tho, people can continue to travel on the highway connecting Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay to reach destinations in Dong Nai, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, and other areas conveniently.
In addition to the central road system, the new Thu Thiem urban area also possesses four important circular routes: R1, R2, R3, and R4, with a total length of nearly 12 kilometers and a cross-sectional width ranging from 11.6 meters to 55 meters. The investment for all four routes is estimated to be around 8.3 trillion Vietnamese dong, according to the State Audit. This not only creates an efficient transportation network but also promotes the development and potential of the area. These circular routes were commenced in 2014 with hopes of bringing significant changes to the urban landscape and boosting economic trade activities. However, after nine years, all four routes have not been handed over as construction was temporarily halted since 2017 due to land clearance and compensation issues. This has led to disappointment and delays in the area's development, posing challenges to economic and infrastructural development plans for the Thu Thiem urban area.
In addition to the transportation system, the new Thu Thiem urban area is also closely linked to the center of District 1 through two major bridge structures: Thu Thiem Bridge and Ba Son Bridge. Thu Thiem Bridge connects Ngo Tat To and Nguyen Huu Canh streets (in Binh Thanh District) with Nguyen Co Thach Street in the new Thu Thiem Urban Area, Thu Duc City. The total investment for this project is estimated at around 1.5 trillion Vietnamese dong, and the bridge was completed in 2010, facilitating transportation and trade between the new urban area and the city center.
Ba Son Bridge, connecting Ton Duc Thang Street (District 1) to the new Thu Thiem urban area, was invested with an estimated total cost of 3.1 trillion Vietnamese dongs and officially opened at the end of April 2022. The architecture of Ba Son Bridge has attracted attention and high appreciation and is considered a new symbol of the city. With its unique design, including suspension cables and main tower structures shaped like inclined dragons towards the Thu Thiem new urban area, Ba Son Bridge is not only part of the transportation system but also a unique architectural masterpiece, contributing to enhancing the urban landscape of Ho Chi Minh City.
Around the area of Ba Son Bridge and Thu Thiem Tunnel, several notable high-rise projects have emerged, such as The Metropole, Empire City, The River Thu Thiem, and many others. Among these, the Empire City project, located in Functional Zone 2c, features a complex tower project with 88 floors (333 meters tall), playing an essential role as a symbol in the southern part of the urban center. The project is undertaken by Empire City Joint Venture Company, including Keppel Land, Tran Thai, Tien Phuoc, and Gaw Capital Partners Fund.
Cultural facilities in the new Thu Thiem urban area, such as the Exhibition Center, are facing unfinished construction issues. This project is located on valuable land in Thu Thiem and has been underway since 2013, with an investment capital of around 800 billion Vietnamese dong. Although the initial plan was aimed at completion by 2015, which was later postponed to 2016, it remains incomplete to this day. Ho Chi Minh City has planned to restart this project in July of this year to ensure the progress and quality of this essential cultural facility.
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