With a fresh planning approach in Hanoi that identifies the Red River as the central axis and focuses on ecologically oriented development, the chances of giving the Long Bien Bridge a facelift are in sight.

Long Bien Bridge. Photo: The Hanoi Times

Tran Ngoc Chinh, Chairman of the Vietnam Urban Planning and Development Association, emphasized the enduring significance of the Long Bien Bridge and the whole Red River landscape in Hanoi's development as a link between the city's past, present, and future.

“Highlighting the grace of the Red River, the Long Bien Bridge is an iconic landmark in Hanoi,” Chinh said.

With this in mind, Chinh stressed the importance of integrating the renovation of Long Bien Bridge into the broader Red River Zoning plan.

By proposing the transformation of the Red River’s alluvial islet into the city's central park, combined with the preservation of Long Bien Bridge, Chinh envisioned a seamlessly interconnected urban space that would not only enhance Hanoi's landscape architecture but also its tourism opportunities.

Stepping up preservation efforts

Architect Phan Dang Son, Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Architects, expressed optimism that Hanoi's new approach to urban planning which centers on the Red River and incorporates ecological development and green parks along both riverbanks, would present an unprecedented opportunity for the preservation and restoration of the Long Bien Bridge, a heritage of the nation’s capital.

Son emphasized the  Long Bien Bridge must be regarded as a pivotal element in the master plan for the Red River banks.

“The bridge should be given a prominent and integral role in any planning endeavor,” he noted while stressing the importance of respecting the historical planning elements dating back to the French colonial era within the bridge's vicinity.

“Integrating the bridge complex into the broader landscape and urban space should be pursued harmoniously, emphasizing green park spaces and dynamic urban areas,” Son continued.

Architect Tran Thanh Binh, a senior researcher with the Vietnam Association of Architects, noted that the Red River’s alluvial islet would serve as a natural green haven for Hanoi.

He underscored that this location provides a unique vantage point from which to appreciate the value of the riparian land and the grandeur of the bridge. It is no coincidence that this picturesque strip of greenery has been designated as a central axis in the Red River Zoning plan.

Binh envisioned this area as a multi-functional cultural park with various themes and subdivisions such as ecology, tourism, wellness, festivals, art, and creativity.

The Long Bien Bridge, he said, should be a prominent theme within the park, occupying a substantial area of 25,000m2 to 30,000m2 in the central cultural park on Red River’s alluvial islet.

“The space at the foot of Long Bien Bridge could be transformed into an ideal cultural and artistic destination,” Binh noted.