•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
On May 11, Hồn Đất Việt Joint Stock Company released information about the Thanh Xuân District Funeral Home project in Khương Đình Ward, Hanoi, drawing public attention. The project is located on plot 38 in the Khương Đình urban resettlement area along Ring Road 2.5, covering nearly 23,000 square meters and divided into two areas.
Area A covers almost 15,000 square meters, while Area B covers more than 8,000 square meters. Area B is described as primarily a quiet space for clients, including pre- and post-funeral consultation services.
Within the project, the investor proposes building two memorial towers, each 13 stories tall with one basement. The plan includes twin memorial towers, two service buildings opposite them, a restaurant, and a three-story customer consultation office. Along the front road, there is also a service building and a 1–2 story bell tower.
The investor said the “funeral park” model is intended to address land scarcity and the need to modernize funeral rites in a large city, offering more green space, flexible rituals, and a more humane farewell experience.
Regarding the two memorial towers, the investor stated that the towers are for memorial purposes only—storing votive tablets and mementos of the deceased—and will not store ashes.
In interviews with the press, Mr. Đinh Tiến Sang, who oversees investment for the An Lạc Linh Đường project, said this is Hanoi’s first funeral home project financed through “socialization.” The investor aims to build a civilized, modern facility that serves funeral needs and also provides post-funeral services such as the 7th day, 49th day, and annual commemorations.
During the project adjustment, Mr. Sang said the investor added two towers in Area B and coordinated with the residents’ association and the Khương Đình Ward People’s Committee to collect public input. At public opinion meetings, after explanations of the Thanh Xuân Funeral Home model, residents expressed agreement.
Mr. Nguyễn Đức Hậu, Head of Ward 14, Block 6, Khương Đình, said the Thanh Xuân Funeral Home project had been planned long ago to meet local needs because Thanh Xuân District did not have a funeral home. He noted that at meetings, the ward and the investor answered questions and provided information about the two memorial towers. Residents were able to provide input at five points over more than a month.
After understanding the model of a funeral home that does not store ashes, Mr. Hậu said most residents supported the project. He added that residents viewed it as appropriate, civilized, and aligned with real local needs, and that the investor pledged not to store ashes in the towers.
Lưu Đình Lượng, Vice Chairman of the Khương Đình Ward People’s Committee, confirmed that the two memorial towers will not store cremated remains. He said the investor guaranteed to the ward and residents that the towers would only be used for families to place votive tablets and mementos, and that if misuse is found—such as storing ashes—the ward would suspend operations immediately.
Mr. Lượng also stated that the area remains eligible for high-rise construction under existing planning. The Khương Đình Ward People’s Committee is seeking approval from the city and consulting relevant departments regarding the project.
Premium gym chains are entering a “golden era” that is ending or already in decline, as rising operating costs collide with shifting consumer preferences toward more flexible, community-based ways to exercise. Long-term memberships are shrinking, margins are pressured by higher rents and facility expenses, and competition from smaller, more personalized…
