Shopping spree at Ecopark

One of the city’s most talked about urban areas under development in greater Hanoi, is undoubtedly Ecopark – not only is it the largest township development in Northern Vietnam with a total development area of nearly 500ha but it’s also a groundbreaking project with a clear dedication to creating a clean, green and harmonious environment for property owners.

With over 110 hectares reserved for green areas and lakes, Ecopark aims to strike that perfect balance between urban development and Mother Nature. With ecological ideals at the very core of the project, Ecopark has already earned plaudits from architects and real estate experts for its unique ecological and cultural features.

The investor behind Ecopark, Viet Hung Urban Development and Investment Join Stock Company (Vihajico), has also unveiled the first sample houses from a charming shopping area, dubbed Pho Truc, where you will find stylised traditional “townhouse shops” stocking traditional Vietnamese products alongside outlets for designer brands, cafés and restaurants.

With quality handicraft showrooms, bookstores, fashion houses, convenience stores, and much more, shoppers will enjoy browsing from shop to shop along a pedestrians-only strip, before catching up with friends over a cappuccino or lunch. This will be a unique shopping area for Vietnam that will appeal to residents, visitors and even tourists alike. Located close to Bat Trang pottery village, which receives thousands of domestic and international visitors every week, Pho Truc has great potential to emerge as an attractive shopping enclave in its own right.

Pho Truc is based on a 30m-wide road and will abide by Ecopark’s defining
principles with a communal atmosphere set amidst the tranquil setting far from the heat and noise of downtown Hanoi

The area features 130 semi-detached ‘shop houses’ that cover an area of 100 to 120sqm with five-metre wide street frontages facing out onto two streets. This distinctive architectural ‘two-in-one’ design includes flexible business spaces and household areas with split-level floors, smart stairwells and separate entrances. Residents will enjoy fresh air and views of the surrounding green parks while entrepreneurs can customise the retail space to suit their product. 

According to Vihajico, the investor of Ecopark City, the front floor spaces are reserved solely for trading, while the backward units are exclusively for living. Owners of trading units can lease out the trading space. Pho Truc consists of four main rows – A, B, C and D. So far, 29 townhouses have been completed on Row A and will soon be available for leasing. A number of shops have already been prepared for operation with Ha Dong Silk, Nha Xinh Interior, Pho Truc Café, Cay Cau restaurant set to open. Soon, other well-known brands are expected to open outlets at Pho Truc. You can also anticipate convenience stores and mini-malls and much more.

The 81 remaining townhouses have been contracted to Lac Hong Investment JSC, a company which has overseen the construction of reputable urban areas, such as Ciputra and the National Exhibition Centre.

Pho Truc is based on a salubrious 30m-wide road and will abide by Ecopark’s defining principles. There will be a communal atmosphere amidst the tranquil setting far from the heat and the din of the traffic in downtown Hanoi.  

“The residential areas nearby Pho Truc such as Rung Co condominium and Vuon Tung Villas are about to be completed and handed over to clients and residents will soon move in to live. That’s the reason why Pho Truc commercial ward will be open soon to create an open space for both residents and visitors coming from Hanoi and other neighbouring areas,” said Bui Tien Hung, deputy director of Vihajico.

The street will be also an ideal space for organising public events or traditional festivals. Just imagine the colourful setting during Tet Trung Thu (mid-Autumn Festival) or Lunar New Year with decorations, music, dancing and feasting!   

Pho Truc is unquestionably a groundbreaking concept in Vietnam. By creating a facility which can meet accommodation demands while creating a platform for a profit making business (either by running a shop or leasing that commercial unit out), Ecopark is ensuring that this urban area will be a lively, vibrant community, unlike many of the sterile urban areas that have mushroomed up elsewhere with no commercial centres or entertainment services.   

Ecopark is being developed and divided into nine areas with a total estimated investment capital of over $8.2 billion. The first area (will be completed in 2013) will offer villas in Vuon Tung and Vuon Mai areas and apartments in Rung Co Condominium. The whole of Pho Truc commercial ward will be put into operation in the second quarter of 2012.

Located just over 10km from the centre of Hanoi, Ecopark is just 20 minutes drive from the bustling centre of Hanoi, but in terms of peace and tranquillity, it’s a world away. Ecopark’s master plan also includes plans for international standard facilities – hospitals, clinics, educational institutions – so residents of Ecopark will have an unparalleled opportunity to live in a modern but eco-friendly environment that stays true to Vietnam’s culture and way of life. If you would like to find out more, check out www.ecopark.com.vn.