On March 19, the Hanoi Department of Planning and Architecture held a conference to gather feedback from representatives of commune- and ward-level People's Committees and local communities on the capital's 100-year master plan.

According to the department's Director Nguyen Trong Ky Anh, the main research content has largely been completed, with consultations conducted across 126 localities and agencies.

Localities were provided with documents and electronic feedback forms and planning units have received more than 2,000 responses, reflecting strong public interest.

Building a long-term vision for the capital's development

The 100-year master plan is developed by integrating two previously approved plans from 2024, which were based on different legal frameworks and planning periods.

The new plan aims to meet evolving development demands, including advancements in science and technology, international integration, institutional reform, private sector growth and adaptation to changes in national strategy and the two-tier urban governance model.

It envisions Hanoi as a green, smart, modern city and a regional innovation hub, striving to join the group of capitals with high living standards worldwide.

In terms of spatial structure, the plan shifts from a monocentric to a polycentric, multi-center model with nine centers, nine development corridors and nine growth poles, connected by an eight-ring road system.

Development is oriented toward public transport, particularly transit-oriented development (TOD), with five regional hubs, 23 urban hubs and 134 local hubs. Urban space will be organized in multiple layers, including underground, low-altitude and high-altitude spaces.

The plan also highlights new elements such as exploiting the Red River space, developing a second airport linked to the southern region, forming ecological belts and reserving land for strategic tasks.

Infrastructure will be developed synchronously, including 14 urban railway lines, high-speed railways, logistics systems and public transport networks.

Alongside economic growth, the plan emphasizes heritage preservation, promoting cultural values associated with nearly 6,000 relic sites, more than 1,300 craft villages and thousands of festivals, while proposing models such as "villages within the city," "streets within villages," and "forests within the city."

Solutions will focus on addressing bottlenecks such as traffic congestion, flooding, environmental pollution, urban renewal and food safety, aiming for sustainable, balanced and globally competitive development.

Clarifying information on inner-city population relocation

At the conference, Tay Ho Ward proposed that the drafting agency and consultants provide more information on urban redevelopment orientation, land acquisition for public spaces and solutions to ensure livelihoods and balance public interests.

The ward also requested clarification of planning indicators, especially building height control around the West Lake, as well as environmental improvements and preservation of the lake's value.

Dong Anh Commune proposed developing the Thiep River axis into a dynamic landscape, cultural and service space linked to heritage sites such as Co Loa, with low-rise, harmonious architecture prioritizing eco-tourism and experiential stays.

The locality also suggested developing the Duong River area into an ecological-service zone combined with green spaces, high-quality sports facilities and experiential activities linked to heritage.

Responding to these issues, Director Nguyen Trong Ky Anh said Tay Ho will become a new center, leveraging accumulated cultural heritage and serving as a key connector of development corridors.

Planning orientation for the area focuses on urban redevelopment and restructuring based on existing proposals submitted by local authorities.

"In the future, subdivision A6 and related areas will be adjusted, focusing on transportation organization, landscape space and urban structure," he said. "Functional zoning and building height control will be carefully reviewed to ensure harmony between development and preservation."

Regarding Hanoi's historic urban core, Anh stated that the approach is to restructure and redevelop while combining service and commercial development with cultural preservation.

He emphasized the urgent need to add public spaces, parking facilities and underground infrastructure to meet green and smart city standards and address population pressure.

To support public consultation, planning agencies will refine documents and maps to make them clearer and more accessible.

Anh affirmed that the city has no plan to relocate 860,000 residents from the inner city, noting that such reports in some media outlets are inaccurate.

Urban restructuring will be based on existing plans, combined with renovation and gradual reorganization of space and population.

Some areas may undergo targeted clearance and redevelopment, but the overarching goal remains improving living standards, preserving heritage and ensuring sustainable urban development.

Feedback from Dong Anh Commune will be reviewed and incorporated into the plan.

With 65 questions addressed during the conference, the director emphasized that the capital master plan is not only for Hanoi but also carries national significance. In a 100-year vision, this long -term and complex plan requires contributions from the community, scientists and experts to ensure its completion.