Report HCM City to Invest VNĐ2.24 Trillion in New Youth Cultural House

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Picture courtesy of Vietnam News

 

Ho Chi Minh City plans to invest over VNĐ2.24 trillion (US$94 million) from the State Budget to construct a new 25-storey Youth Cultural House in District 1. The project, set for completion by 2028, will span over 93,500 square metres and is designed to last 100 years.

 

Managed by the HCM City Youth Union, this government-backed development aims to revitalise the cultural hub with new features including an event plaza, a multipurpose hall seating 500-700 people, exhibition spaces, libraries, sports facilities, and media and AI labs.

 

Opened in 1979, the current venue is a key part of the city's student movement, attracting around 5 million visitors annually. However, it lacks the capacity to meet the increasing demands of local youth, prompting calls for expansion and modernisation.

 

City officials describe the project as a means to "foster a lively environment for young people, providing them with a space to connect, learn, and grow." Despite the enthusiasm, experts have voiced concerns about the high-rise's impact on the historic downtown area, home to landmarks like the Reunification Palace and the Saigon Central Post Office.

 

Authorities are urged to weigh these concerns carefully, ensuring that the new development respects the district's architectural heritage while addressing the needs of its youthful population.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Vietnam News 2025-06-23