The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Investment and Planning recently reported to the municipal People’s Council about a decision to suspend a symphony, opera, and ballet theater project worth more than VND1.98 trillion (US$84.5 million) in the Thu Thiem New Urban Area.

After reviewing all the projects approved in principle from 2015 onward, the municipal investment department found that 678 had been delayed and chose to suspend two – the opera house in Thu Thiem, Thu Duc City and a road linking Cat Lai Port and Ring Road 2.

The city’s industrial and civil construction investment project management board – the investor of the major theater project – said it was necessary to build a large-scale opera house to meet the rising demand for entertainment and the needs of art lovers.

However, due to the impact of COVID-19 on daily life and business and production activities, the city will prioritize social welfare projects and stimulating the recovery and development of industries, said the board.

The Thu Thiem opera house project was set to require over VND1.5 trillion ($64 million) in investment, get off the ground in 2018, and be completed in 2022. 

However, the investor proposed revising the total cost to more than VND1.98 trillion ($84.5 million) and extending the project’s deadline to 2024.

As planned, the 1,700-seat theater would feature auditorium seating for 1,200 people, as well as a smaller concert hall capable of accommodating 500 people.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!