HCMC chairman wants Ben Thanh Square to emulate New York's Times Square

According to a recent decision by the Office of the HCMC People's Committee, the chairman has tasked District 1 authorities with proposing activities aligned with the approved zoning plan for the area, according to a statement on the HCMC Party Committee's news portal.

Mai emphasized that the square should become a bustling space that attracts large crowds, serves as a central hub connected to the metro station, and features culinary and street business activities.

The goal is to showcase the city's distinctive identity through dynamic street life and create a space that leaves a lasting impression on visitors, he said.

The approved plan, unveiled October last year, allocates VND157 billion (US$6.42 million) to develop a public square in front of the iconic Ben Thanh Market. Covering an area of 45,800 square meters, the square will be paved with natural granite stones and include a park, a lighting system, and various public amenities.

This initiative follows the recent completion of the Ben Thanh underground station, part of Metro Line No. 1 (Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien), which officially began service on Dec. 22.

Since late 2022, traffic lights and a zebra crossing for pedestrians have been installed in front of the market, coinciding with the completion of the metro station construction after eight years.