Hanoi to begin demolition of iconic 'Shark Jaw' building by end of May

The iconic building--a commercial center at 1-3-5 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, is located at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square adjacent to Hoan Kiem Lake.

Internal removal work inside the building has already begun, the official said.

The demolition is part of a larger plan to redevelop and beautify the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square area, approved by the Hanoi People’s Committee.

According to the district’s official press release, the renovation will be executed in two phases.

The first phase will involve the demolition of the ‘Shark Jaw’ building; the relocation of an electrical substation currently on the first floor of the building; the revamp of nearby structures, including the Hapro building at 7-9 Dinh Tien Hoang Street and the Thuy Ta restaurant; and the reorganization of traffic on Dinh Tien Hoang Street.

These tasks are scheduled to reach completion in August.

The second phase includes exploring underground space beneath the square, extending façade renovations around the square, and upgrading public infrastructure in alignment with Hoan Kiem Lake’s status as a special national relic.

The district’s administration is working closely with Hanoi’s departments to complete legal procedures and coordinate implementation.

The city had previously set a target to complete site clearance—including the demolition of the ‘Shark Jaw’ building—by April 30, with the above-ground construction completed by September 2.