An age-old problem: The northern gate, a mostly intact entrance to the former Thang Long Imperial Citadel, which was marked by exploding shells from the invading French forces. The central part of Thang Long Citadel complex will be turned into a cultural park by blending it with an adjacent archaeological site at 18 Hoang Dieu Street and the new Parliament House site. — VNA/VNS Photo Nhat Anh

HA NOI (VNS)— A detailed plan for preserving and developing the Thang Long Citadel complex in downtown Ha Noi and the Co Loa Citadel complex on the outskirts of the capital were discussed at a meeting here on Thursday.

The central part of Thang Long Citadel complex will become an open cultural park in an harmonious blend with an adjacent archaeological site at No 18 Hoang Dieu Street next to the present Parliament House site.

The wide roadway may become a pedestrian mall or linked to the old palace area by a subway.

The plan, proposed by the Ministry of Construction's Institute of Architecture, Urban and Rural Planning, may also link the old Nguyen Dynasty flag tower near Dien Bien Phu Street with Lenin Park.

The area between the old Doan Mon (Noon) Gate into the site of the old Royal Palace and the tower is expected to be turned into a square.

The plan also proposes to enlarge and restore the area around Kinh Thien Palace, which was destroyed for a French colonial building.

The present military office in the building will be moved.

Another royal building, the Hau Lau Palace Pavilion, will be used to house antiques.

At the huge North Gate of the citadel, scarred by shells from the invading French forces, scientists will restore staircases.

Participants at the meeting wanted to restore the old palaces themselves.

At the adjacent archaeological site at 18 Hoang Dieu, proper drainage will be installed.

Basic preservation is scheduled for completion by 2020 followed by the restoration of selected buildings.

The Thang Long Imperial Citadel was built in the 11th century by the Ly Dynasty, marking the independence of the Dai Viet (Great Viet).

It was the centre of regional political power for almost 10 centuries without interruption. The Imperial Citadel buildings and the remains at 18 Hoang Dieu archaeological site reflect a unique Southeast Asian culture specific to the lower Red River Valley.

The kingdom was at the crossroads between influences from China in the north and the ancient Indianised Kingdom of Cham Pa in the south.

The central sector of the imperial citadel was officially listed in UNESCO's World Heritage Site in July 2010.

In the case of Co Loa Citadel complex in Dong Anh District, 20km to the north of Ha Noi downtown, there will be four preservation areas.

They will run parallel to the four original earthen spiral walls protecting the ancient city, lost to the Chinese in the third century BC.

The core of the citadel will be kept intact while service facilities for tourism will be set up.

On the outer citadel walls, a museum and other sightseeing spots will be placed in the middle of a green park.

The Co Loa complex will cover a total of 860ha, which will involve moving 720 households from the site.

Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Nguyen The Thao said the plan affected local people and this was why there had to be harmony between preservation and development.

Co Loa was the heart of Au Lac country ruled by King An Duong Vuong, whose daughter married a Cantonese prince.

Scientists found the ancient citadel had a unique architecture, art and archaeology.

The Co Loa site was recognised as a national special relic earlier this year. — VNS