Hanoi begins tearing down iconic ‘Shark Jaw’ building

The move marked the start of a larger urban renewal project to renovate and enhance Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, a central public space near Hoan Kiem Lake.

The district confirmed that safety measures would be put in place to begin dismantling equipment and structures at the site.

According to the timeline, demolition and related tasks are expected to be completed by the end of June, the district said in a press release issued on Sunday.

After being assigned by the municipal People's Committee, Hoan Kiem District developed a plan to improve the aesthetics and functionality of the area, while carrying out necessary legal procedures, including issuing a land reclamation notice for the site.

Two-phase plan to revamp Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square

An official from the district told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper in mid-May that internal removal work inside the building had already begun.

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 will focus on exploring underground space beneath the square, including the comprehensive renovation of surrounding building façades, and upgrades to technical infrastructure in alignment with Hoan Kiem Lake’s status as a special national relic.

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.

The Ham Ca Map (Shark Jaw) building, constructed in 1990, housed cafés, restaurants, and shops at a strategic location facing Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Cau Go Street.