The planning of a 10-floor hotel construction in Dinh Hill

Dinh Hill is considered a golden land plot because it is the only remaining major green space in the centre of Dalat City with a commanding view in all four directions. It is the former provincial governor's palace which was built by the French in 1910.

Under the association’s proposal, Lam Dong authorities should not carry out the plan.

Last year, Lam Dong Province approved the hill construction, which is part of the planning of Dalat City and its neighbouring areas by 2030 approved by the government earlier.

From August 14 to September 14, the province presented three options for the hill revamp to seek the public opinion. Besides building a 10-floor hotel, other facilities will also be constructed, while a large area of green space will be destroyed.

Earlier, nearly 80 architects sent a petition to the Ministry of Construction and Lam Dong Province’s authorities to protest against the Hoa Binh Theatre area construction. According to the project, Hoa Binh Theatre will be demolished to build a modern entertainment complex, while a shopping centre and an underground parking lot will be built at Da Lat Market area.

Sculpture artist Pham Van Hang said that Da Lat is well-known for its green space. It is essential to restore works which have deteriorated, but this needs to be considered how to protect the local natural beauty.

Architect Ngo Viet Nam Son said more high-rise building projects have been allowed on Da Lat’s hills, which seemed to be a fault in the city’s tourism development strategy. Visitors come to Da Lat to enjoy its natural beauty, not to see such buildings.