HÀ NỘI — Construction of the Đồng Xuân – Bắc Qua Cultural Industry Centre began in Hà Nội’s Hoàn Kiếm Ward on Thursday, marking a practical project to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the capital’s Liberation Day (October 10, 1954–2026).

Located at 17 Nguyễn Thiện Thuật Street and 40 Thanh Hà Street, the project covers a total area of about 3,862sq.m and is expected to create a new multifunctional cultural and creative space in the heart of Hà Nội’s Old Quarter.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Chairman of the Hoàn Kiếm Ward People’s Committee Trịnh Hoàng Tùng said the project would concretise the capital’s orientation towards developing cultural industries while making effective use of local resources and promoting the historical and cultural values and distinctive character of the Đồng Xuân–Bắc Qua area.

The project aims to combine heritage preservation with creativity, commerce, tourism and urban economic development, he added.

The centre will comprise a range of functions, including creative spaces, exhibition and display areas, performance and educational facilities, experience-based activities, cultural commerce and support for creative start-ups.

The project focuses on renovating existing structures, improving architecture and landscape, and upgrading technical infrastructure. Planned facilities include art galleries, creative handicraft spaces, studios, product-display areas, spaces showcasing the culinary culture of the Old Quarter, an arts square, performance venues and community spaces.

According to Tùng, the development of the centre is expected to contribute to forming a new cultural and creative destination in the Old Quarter while creating opportunities for artists, artisans, creative enterprises and other cultural-industry organisations.

As a distinctive area in Hà Nội’s Old Quarter, Đồng Xuân – Bắc Qua is not only a place with a long-standing tradition of trade and commerce, but also a convergence of diverse layers of historical, cultural and architectural values, as well as urban life.

“During the management and development of the Old Quarter, one of the questions that has always concerned us is how to ensure that these values are not only preserved but also continue to live on in contemporary life,” the chairman said.

At the ceremony, delegates performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the project, marking the transition from the stages of research, legal preparations and investment planning to the implementation of the project on the ground.

The Hoàn Kiếm Cultural Industry Centre is expected to create an additional space for culture, creativity and experiences in Hà Nội’s Old Quarter, helping connect heritage, creativity, the community, tourism and commerce, while promoting the values of the Đồng Xuân – Bắc Qua area and driving the development of the capital’s cultural industries. — VNS