Zone 9 entertainment area to be reopened next year

Zone 9 entertainment area to be reopened next year

Zone 9, a once-popular, if short-lived, entertainment area in Hanoi that was closed in late 2013, will be reopened early next year.

Architect and photographer Doan Ky Thanh, creator of the new Zone 9 as well as Hanoi Creative City, said that the new Zone 9 would be bustling again in early 2015.

New Zone 9 set to open in early 2015

“The new location is around 300 metres away from the old one, in a currently abandoned building which covers around 10,000 square metres. We expect it to attract the participation of many domestic and foreign entrepreneurs operating in the creative industries,” Thanh noted.

According to Thanh, the closing of the former Zone 9 last December was a result of an unexpected explosion, claiming six lives. The incident stirred up public concern over zoning regulations and fire safety.

“We decided to create a new Zone 9 so as to keep the public benefits of these businesses and create an environment open to innovation for Hanoians,” he said.

After Zone 9 was closed, a group of private investors, including well-known artists and architects received funds from several domestic and foreign organisations, include the British Council and the Goethe Institute to rebuild in a safer place.

The former Zone 9 was located at a prime location, on Tran Thanh Tong Street and was managed by the Central Pharmaceutical JSC no2. It was then transferred to Binh An Investment and Development JSC for the purpose of building office spaces, a trade centre and apartments.

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