VietNamNet Bridge - Hanoi has approved the construction of the controversial Ho Guom Lake Cultural Center at 2 Le Thai To Street, 12m from Hoan Kiem Lake, closing a four-year-long debate.

The site is only 12m from the Hoan Kiem Lake.

The lake, in Hanoi’s heart, is associated with the return of a legendary sword that had helped King Le Thai To fight off northern invaders. It has huge historical and emotional meaning for Vietnamese. The authority has been struggling to preserve the natural surroundings of the lake in the face of the city's rapid development in recent years.

The project was widely criticized the first time around by local residents and experts alike. Their main objections were that such a modern structure would hinder views over the tree-lined lake. Several households near the location have already filed complaints and requested the project be discontinued.

The sketch of the Ho Guom Cultural Center.

Lam Quoc Hung, deputy chairman of the committee, said at a meeting in 2012 that the city had considered another option - turning the location into a public park. However 14 of the 16 members of the city's Committee for Planning and Architecture voted in support of the establishment of a cultural centre.

The location is quite small (242 sq.m) and is surrounded by run-down houses, said Hung, adding that a small park would not be able to hide them. Hung also said the main function of the centre would be to exhibit and provide information about the lake and to serve as an office for the lake's management unit.

The construction of Ho Guon Cultural Center will start this month and is expected to be completed before August 2015.

Le Ha