Restaurants inside Hanoi's iconic "Shark Jaw" mall have begun to relocate their belongings since April 20. Several trucks could be seen parked around the area for transportation.
The site is expected to be cleared by April 30, marking the end of a well-known city landmark.
The building, managed by the Hanoi Transportation Corporation (Transerco), was built in the 1991-1993 period. Situated north of the Hoan Kiem Lake, the mall has six floors, spanning a total of 390 square meters. The building has numerous shops and restaurants.
Transerco has posted announcements saying the building would no longer receive visitors starting April 21.
The demolition of the "Shark Jaw" building is part of a project to organize public space at the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square in Hoan Kiem District. The Hoan Kiem People's Committee has proposed for the demolition of the building and relocation of underground structures.
Tables and chairs on the 4th floor of the building have been gathered in one spot.
Hoan Kiem District plans for the re-organized area to span 1.2 hectares.
Several properties have been gathered on the sidewalks of Dinh Tien Hoang Street on April 21, ready to be taken away.
Despite its controversial design, the "Shark Jaw" building is a popular spot in the capital for both locals and tourists alike, especially young people and foreigners. The rent cost at the building is also high, going up to $200 per square meter, according to real estate service firm Avison Young.
The kitchen system of a restaurant in the building has been removed.
Hanoi now plans to construct underground structures beneath the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square after the demolition. The underground space would have three basements, including malls and parking lots.
People relocate belongings at Hanoi's iconic "Shark Jaw" mall. Video by Loc Chung
