Shaping a new position for Vinh City: What does the Vinh River planning of more than 4,500 billion VND include?

‏The Vinh River has a total length of 7.3 km with great cultural, spiritual and historical significance, and is considered the “main artery” in the development flow of Vinh city. However, along both banks of the Vinh River, there has not been synchronous investment in infrastructure such as entertainment venues, amusement parks, commercial buildings, etc. to exploit its inherent potential. The river is likened to a “diamond” that has been neglected and needs “pushes” to awaken.‏

5 planning areas "put on a new coat" for Vinh River

‏Recognizing the great potential of the Vinh River for socio-economic development, in February 2021, the Prime Minister officially approved the investment policy of the Project "Priority infrastructure and urban development adapting to climate change in Vinh city, Nghe An province" including 4 components. Of which, component 3 is Upgrading and renovating the Vinh River and public spaces. This is the first river to be funded by the World Bank with a total cost of 194 million USD (equivalent to 4,502 billion VND).‏

The planning scope of the Vinh River Upgrading and Renovation Project is about 102.97 km wide, including 5 sub-areas along both banks of the Vinh River: Eco-village Area, Heritage Area, Floating Market Area, Le Mao Intersection Area and Spiritual Tourism Area. Each sub-area is designed with unique and separate construction items, blending with the inherent identity of each location, promising to maximize the ability to attract tourism, develop the economy and preserve the cultural beauty of the river.

‏The ecological village area ranges from the Vinh River junction to the railway bridge. This is a deep-water area with rice field landscape, combined with a location near Cua Nam Park. Therefore, the ecological village area will focus on building items such as agricultural parks, riverside walking paths, arranging resting points combined with Kayak rental points, organizing sightseeing and agricultural experience tours, developing trekking tourism and contemporary art performance spaces.

‏Following the eco-village is a heritage area that ranges from the railway bridge to Cua Tien bridge. With its location near spiritual areas, World Bank experts have proposed a design plan for a walking route connecting the space between the church and Cua Nam Park, becoming a place for community activities combined with enjoying the cool green landscape.

Floating markets are a cultural feature of Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, etc. In the planning, the Floating Market from Cua Tien Bridge to Cao Xuan Huy Bridge will help recreate the cultural space of "on the wharf, under the boat", combined with exploiting the economic advantages next to Vinh market. On both sides of the river, sightseeing bridges and boat wharves will be built to facilitate the exchange, trade of goods and river tourism.

‏The fourth subdivision is the Le Mao intersection, running from Cao Xuan Huy bridge to Den bridge. This is an important intersection that plays a role in closely connecting the two banks of the old and new city. According to the plan, this is a stop for tourists to rest, relax, sightsee, and enjoy and shop for local products, contributing to spreading the culinary culture and traditions of Vinh city to domestic and international friends.

‏For the spiritual tourism area from Black Bridge to Ben Thuy Bridge, it is planned to build a spiritual tourism park on Quyet Mountain - where the Phoenix Citadel was once chosen by King Quang Trung as the capital of Vietnam in the 17th century. The planning will help visitors to the pagoda have a clear and comprehensive view of the surrounding areas, and at the same time contribute to making this place one of the "must-see" places when visiting Vinh city.‏

In addition to the 5 components of the above-mentioned renovation area, the Vinh River planning focuses on preserving maximum green space, while expanding the friendly and harmonious ecosystem, creating a landscape highlight in the southern area of ​​the city. In the future, the two banks of the Vinh River will become the most livable place in the city and the South of Vinh city will be the "new heart" gathering the elite community of residents and the "bull's eye" attracting tourists from all over the world.

Rediscovering the “glory” of the past

Since ancient times, Vinh River has been a place of "above the wharf and below the boat" attracting people from all over to come here to trade and exchange goods. During the French colonial period, on the northern bank of Vinh River was where the French government located its embassy. Next to Vinh River, Vinh market was formed - the busiest commercial and trading center in Nghe An.

The Planning and Renovation idea approved by the Prime Minister and funded by the World Bank is a "push" to awaken the river's potential, a reminder for local authorities to take action to restore the "glory" of the Vinh River.

With a total "huge" budget of more than 4,500 billion VND and the support of the largest and most prestigious international financial organization today, the Vinh River upgrading and renovation project is considered the "King" on the infrastructure planning chessboard of Vinh city, holding a decisive position in the success or failure of the strategy to elevate the city's status.

Once completed, the project will breathe new life into the modern, bustling overall picture of the city, miraculously transforming the Vinh River to stand shoulder to shoulder with other famous blood vessels in Vietnam and the world, returning the river to its role as the “main artery” in trade, tourism and culture like in its glorious past.