Located on Pham Van Dong Street in Anh Dung Ward, Duong Kinh District, the center was built in 2004 on a 47-hectare site.
The center's structure is made of durable steel, with a roof designed to resemble a giant kite, earning it the nickname "Kite House" from locals. In its early days, the Kite House was a popular attraction, even appearing on student notebook covers.
However, in recent years, the building has started to deteriorate. After Typhoon Yagi hit on Sept. 7, 2024, the roof of the Kite House began to peel away.
From the inside, the roofing sheets can be seen coming loose, leaving parts of the roof exposed.
According to ASC Vietnam JSC, the Hanoi-based company that manages and operates the center, the annual depreciation cost for the building is over VND1.9 billion, while the infrastructure depreciation amounts to over VND1.3 billion.
Additionally, there are ongoing expenses for land rental, labor, and utilities.
The first floor of the Kite House covers 10,000 square meters, while the second floor spans 5,000 square meters.
Over the past decade, the Kite House has hosted only a few large events each year. In 2023, no clients rented the venue for events or fairs due to its remote location (about 9 km from the city center) and the lack of central air conditioning.
As a result, the management company has utilized the available space for other purposes, such as leasing it out. The first floor has been converted into a warehouse.
Due to improper use and lack of regular maintenance, the center has gradually deteriorated. The railing on the second floor is damaged, prompting management to post warning signs for safety (pictured).
A section of the second-floor ceiling, along with lights and electrical wires, has fallen off in the function room.
The fire safety cabinets outside the Kite House are empty and have not been restocked with the required equipment, failing to meet safety regulations.
Tiles in front of the first-floor entrance have come loose, and the doors remain locked due to a lack of demand for the space.
ASC Vietnam JSC stated that they plan to carry out repairs to restore the aesthetic appeal and ensure the safety of the Kite House, allowing it to continue being rented as warehouse space to help offset the annual operating costs.
Due to the ineffective use of land, Hai Phong's People's Committee decided in 2017 to reclaim 20 hectares of the project site along Pham Van Dong Street.
Earlier, in 2010, ASC Vietnam JSC had proposed a plan to the Hai Phong People's Committee to adjust the development and include entertainment and resort facilities, but the plan was never implemented.
