What is the state of Vinh City's pedestrian street after one year of operation?

Highlights of Vinh city

In early April 2022,Vinh pedestrian streetOfficially operational after 3 years of upgrades, the roads: Ho Tung Mau, Nguyen Van Cu, Nguyen Tai, and alley 2 of Nguyen Van Cu connecting to Nguyen Trung Ngan, after being renovated, have taken on a new, more dazzling and modern look with a system of greenery and brilliant lighting at night.

The Vinh pedestrian street attracted thousands of visitors when it first opened. Photo: QA

The pedestrian street was put into operation at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic in Nghe An province in general and Vinh City in particular had been brought under control, and the demand for recreation and socializing among people increased after two years of disruption due to lockdown.

According to statistics from the Management Board, the pedestrian street attracts between 5,000 and 7,000 visitors each evening, and this number can increase several times during major events.

Nguyen Van Cu pedestrian street is bustling at night. Photo: QA

Since the pedestrian street opened, it has become a meeting place for artisans, youth groups, and clubs, and an indispensable destination for the spiritual needs of Vinh city residents in particular every weekend.

Along the streets, there are venues showcasing attractive cultural performances, from traditional Nghe An folk songs to modern dances, and games that bring visitors back to their childhood such as O An Quan (a traditional board game), jump rope, bamboo pole jumping, and clay figurine making... which the locals find very enjoyable.

Spectacular artistic performances were presented on the pedestrian street. Photo: QA

Besides cultural and artistic programs, the pedestrian street's operation has also boosted business in the area with a huge influx of people. Many shops along the streets that previously closed on weekend evenings are now operating continuously due to the increased customer traffic. In addition to fixed businesses, Vinh City has also provided space for dozens of households to sell snacks, soft drinks, souvenirs, etc., when the night street is in operation.

Mr. Tran Dong Duc, a snack vendor on the pedestrian street, shared: "Previously, we mainly sold our goods on the street, without a stable business location, and the number of customers was erratic. However, since the pedestrian street opened, the city has provided us with a business location, and the influx of people has gradually improved our business. The business fee of only 40,000 VND per night is very reasonable for small-scale vendors like us."

The city of Vinh facilitated business opportunities for local residents once the pedestrian street became operational. Photo: QA

Since the pedestrian street opened, the city of Vinh and its departments have regularly organized numerous cultural and artistic events, displayed product booths, and launched various festivals every month.

Most recently, on the evening of March 10th, the Nghe An Department of Industry and Trade, in coordination with the Vinh City People's Committee and relevant departments and agencies, organized the launching ceremony for Vietnam Consumer Rights Day 2023, witnessed by a large number of locals and tourists at the pedestrian street. With a large number of participants, along with thousands of smartphones ready to take photos and livestream, the reach of these events to the community was strong, achieving high communication effectiveness.

Major events organized by departments, agencies, and the city of Vinh on the pedestrian street have yielded high communication effectiveness. Photo: QA

There are still shortcomings.

According to observations, although Vinh City's pedestrian street has made a strong impression on both locals and tourists, some shortcomings still exist during its year of operation. These need to be improved to better serve the needs of the people and live up to expectations as a highlight of modern Vinh city and a leading force in the development of the night-time economy.

Although the plan included four pedestrian streets, only Ho Tung Mau and Nguyen Van Cu streets are operating smoothly. The other two streets have yet to make a positive impression on locals and tourists. (Graphic: QA)

According to the plan, Vinh City's pedestrian zone includes four streets: Ho Tung Mau, Nguyen Van Cu, Nguyen Tai, and Alley 2 of Nguyen Van Cu Street connecting to Nguyen Trung Ngan Street. However, in reality, the pedestrian zone is only truly vibrant on Ho Tung Mau and Nguyen Van Cu streets. The other two streets have yet to attract attention, with very limited numbers of visitors.

Nguyen Tai Street is deserted when the pedestrian zone opens. Photo: QA

Specifically, on Nguyen Tai Street, which was planned to be a food street within the pedestrian zone, there are not many people passing through when the pedestrian zone is in operation, and the shops and restaurants don't open regularly. The area only seems to be thriving for about 200 meters from the intersection with Ho Tung Mau Street. However, these establishments frequently violate environmental hygiene and public order regulations.

As for the other section, Alley 2 of Nguyen Van Cu Street connecting to Nguyen Trung Ngan Street, it's even more deserted. Very few people pass through this area; many don't even know it's one of Vinh City's pedestrian streets.

Alley 2 on Nguyen Van Cu Street, connecting to Nguyen Trung Ngan Street, was at one point fenced off to be used as a parking area, even though it was designated as a pedestrian zone according to the project. Photo: QA

Besides the uneven activity across the streets, business on pedestrian streets remains monotonous, lacking diversity in goods, with snacks and drinks being the majority; especially lacking regional specialties and OCOP products from Nghe An province, which, if displayed, would be a great opportunity to reach a huge customer base.

The art programs on the pedestrian street remain stagnant, lacking innovation. Performances by groups and clubs are inconsistent, leading to a gradual decline in appeal. Unless major events like music festivals or fashion shows are held on the pedestrian street, they rarely attract significant attention.

Furthermore, throughout its operation, the pedestrian street has experienced some unintended problems, such as pairing up young children and overcharging for parking fees.

Littering continues to occur even when the pedestrian street is in operation. Photo: QA

During the exchange, representatives from Vinh City's leadership stated that the pedestrian street's opening was a major event for the city last year. While it has created a positive impact and impression on residents and tourists, as it's the first time it's been put into operation, there will inevitably be some imperfections. The city will be receptive to feedback and suggestions, and in the coming time, will direct relevant authorities and the pedestrian street management board to strengthen management, ensure environmental protection, and maintain security and order on the streets; and continue to learn from experience to diversify activities...