The People’s Council of Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday approved the allocation of VND189 billion (US$8 million) from the municipal coffers for renovating the 114-year-old building that houses the People's Council and People’s Committee.

The Ho Chi Minh City Civil and Industrial Construction Investment Project Management Board will be responsible for executing the project.

The edifice, located at 86 Le Thanh Ton Street in District 1, was designed by French architect Femand Gardes.

Its construction started in 1889 and finished in 1909. 

It was recognized as a national architectural relic site by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in 2020.

It faces Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, a major hangout for residents and tourists on weekends and public holidays.

However, the venue has fallen into disrepair over the years.

The exterior of one of its two blocks is beginning to show cracks, paint stains, peeling, and degradation. 

Its wooden doors are also damaged and the entrance steps show serious wear and tear. 

As such, the city plans to carry out a maintenance and repair initiative that will include renovating the building’s block A and making changes to equipment in the edifice’s offices. 

In block B, the renovation will focus on restoring and revamping existing structures and internal passages.

After the completion of the renovation project, valued at an estimated VND189 billion, the building will likely meet the operational needs of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council and People’s Committee leaders, functioning as a suitable space for meetings, conferences, and hosting international delegations.

City authorities were lauded after opening the century-old building to visitors for the first time on this year’s Reunification Day (April 30) and International Workers’ Day (May 1).

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