Nha Trang military airbase.—Photo nld

HCM CITY (Biz Hub)— Central Khanh Hoa Province's People's Committee has approved a plan to use the existing Nha Trang military airbase to build a new urban centre.

Under the plan, more than 186 hectares of the 238-ha airbase would be developed into an urban centre based on proposals from the Construction Ministry's Institute of Architecture and Urban and Rural Planning.

The urban centre would include areas for trading and finance, pedestrians, green zones, villas and houses, and schools and health clinics.

Investors of the joint-venture project include the Thanh Dong Real Estate Joint-Stock Company and General Company 319 under the Ministry of National Defence.

Initial planning was completed in April. The new urban area would be able to accommodate 22,3000 residents, according to the plan.

More than 186 hectares of the 238-ha airbase would be developed into an urban centre.—File Photo

The joint venture is expected to invest about VND5.2 trillion (US$244.56 million) in the project, of which VND1.354 trillion ($63.81 million) would be spent for roads, electricity, water and irrigation infrastructure.

Commenting on the plan, Le Van De, director of Khanh Hoa Province's Construction Department, said the plan should devote more space for green zones, parks and lakes and less space for residential areas.

De said the plan did not include health clinics, sport areas or markets. In addition, planning for traffic, irrigation and public lighting should be modified, he added.

Tran Dai Nghia, head of the investment and development department of Thanh Dong Company, said the joint venture had modified the plan, including increasing the green zone and parks as well as the number of pools.

Le Duc Vinh, vice-chairman of Khanh Hoa Province's People's Committee, said the province was still reviewing the plan and would publish the results later this month or next month.

In 2004, the Nha Trang civilian airport closed and became a military airbase. Nha Trang is now served by Cam Ranh International Airport, which is about 30 kilometres from Nha Trang.

In 2009, the Prime Minister approved the transfer of purpose of Nha Trang airport from military service into civilian purposes. — VNS