Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City have approved a project to build a 111-hectare- golf course and an urban area on the premises of the Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

 

The complex, including a pool, hotels, restaurants and schools, will cover a total of more than 157 hectares, the HCMC Department of Planning and Architecture said on its website, citing approval of the project by the Tan Binh District’s People’s Committee.

 

The Long Bien Investment Joint-stock company will invest nearly US$300 millioni in the project that is scheduled for completion in mid 2013, Tran Van Tinh, deputy chairman of the company, told Tuoi Tre Saturday.

 

Asked about concerns about the airport’s security, Vinh said the project has been studied for five years and was approved by the Prime Minister in principle in 2007.

 

Consultations have been held with and between all related agencies, including the Ministry of National Defense, which manages the airport’s area, he stressed.

 

“In fact, the project area lies parallel with the airport at a safe distance from runways,” he said. “We have assured that all the processes of construction and operation will absolutely secure the Tan Son Nhat Airport’s security.”

 

According to Vinh, the project aimed to attract more tourists and create more green areas as well as jobs for the city, adding that the land lot is in prime location, but has been left unused for many years.

 

The news source also quoted a letter the ministry sent to the Prime Minister in December, 2007 as saying the project would be conducted in accordance with orders from the ministry.

 

In a letter to related agencies and HCMC authorities, the PM noted that in case the government needs to revoke the lot for national defense purposes, the investor has to return it without asking for compensation, according to Tuoi Tre. 

 

Vietnam’s largest airport covers over 820 hectares in Tan Binh District, it reported.