The proposed underground development would have up to four levels and nearly 318,000 square meters of total floor space, according to a preliminary planning proposal put for public consultation by the HCMC authorities.

The project would be built within a planning area of more than 9.3 hectares encompassing September 23 Park and Ben Thanh underground station.

VinSpeed is developing the Ben Thanh-Can Gio metro line in HCMC. It has been approved to prepare a 1:500-scale detailed plan for the area, with a focus on developing underground space.

Under the proposal, the first zone would include an underground complex with about 145,000 square meters allocated to commercial, retail, and public amenities, while roughly 147,000 sqm would be used for parking. The remaining space would accommodate the metro station, offices, management facilities, and technical infrastructure.

The underground mall is expected to connect directly with Ben Thanh station, parking facilities, and entrances to the surface area. Planned facilities include retail, food and beverage outlets, entertainment, services and public amenities.

The second zone would cover the existing Ben Thanh underground station and would be developed under a separate project.

At ground level, September 23 Park would retain its role as a public park, with buildings limited to one storey. Green space will account for more than 87,400 sqm of the planning area, while roads and transport infrastructure will cover more than 5,600 sqm.

September 23 Park sits in the heart of HCMC, next to Ben Thanh Market, Quach Thi Trang Square, and major streets including Le Loi and Le Lai. Ben Thanh station is also the southern terminus of Metro line No. 1 and is planned to become a major interchange connecting several future urban railway lines.

The city previously planned an underground Ben Thanh shopping center of about 45,000 sqm, but the project stalled for years. Under HCMC's revised master plan through 2040, with a vision to 2060, September 23 Park is earmarked for commercial space integrated with parking facilities in downtown city, while connecting with metro stations and surrounding developments.