The city’s People’s Council on April 18 approved plans to build a new administrative hub in Thu Thiem New Urban Area, slated for 2026-2028 and designed to accommodate around 8,000 officials and staff.
After the new centre becomes operational, the current headquarters at 86 Le Thanh Ton Street will cease administrative functions and be converted for public visits, tourism and heritage education.
Located in the city centre, the building is one of the most prominent surviving examples of French colonial architecture, alongside landmarks such as the Saigon Opera House, Saigon Central Post Office and Ho Chi Minh City People's Court.
Built between 1898 and 1909 by French architect Femand Gardès, the Renaissance-style building features a central clock tower and ornate detailing, with interiors blending Baroque, Rococo and Art Nouveau elements.
The building has served as the city’s administrative headquarters since 1975 and was designated a national architectural heritage site in 2020.
It was opened to the public for the first time during the April 30 holiday in 2023, attracting nearly 1,500 visitors, before regular monthly weekend tours were introduced from July that year. Visits have been suspended since early 2025.
Authorities expect the conversion to create a distinctive cultural attraction in the city centre, enriching Ho Chi Minh City’s urban tourism offerings.
