Central Market Cambodia - Phsar Thom Thmey

Central Market Rehabilitation Project - Completed 

- Central Market was constructed 

based on the architecture design of Mr. Jean Duboir, French national of the Indo-Saigon which was celebrated its ground breaking ceremony in August 1935 and completely constructed in June 1937 in the regime of Preah Karona SISOVATH Monivong.
- Up to 1975: Central Market was a big trade center of Cambodia 

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- From 1975 - 79: It was suspended from its trade activities and tuned into banana farm and quiet in center of the city. It was heavily destroyed, particularly on its infrastructure. 

- After January 07, 1979: since the country was recovered from the Pol Pot Genocidal Regime, Central Market was step by step renovated and started its commercial activities again. 

- After the country has been fully peaceful, Phnom Penh has been dramatically developed in all sectors which would attract any foreign agencies including Agence Francaice de Developpement (AFD) who had financially supports for the rehabilitation work of 3 markets in Phnom Penh such as: Central Market, Phsar Kandal and Phsar Chas.
Besides, Central Market, the City's heritage was prioritized by AFD in the budget of 4.5 millior Euro for its renovation started from December 2008 to February 28, 2011 which VILLA PARCE Engineering was the contractor and KOSAN Engineering was the consultant together with ARTE CHARPENTIER ARCHITECHTES, the architecture.
Those works were separated into 3 Phases:
-Phase 1: From December 15, 2008 to October 2009: Repairing of the east side of Zone I, Wings A and D.

  

-Phase 2: From October 16, 2009 to April 1, 2010: Repairing of the south side of Zone H, the middle of Zone E, and the North side of Zone F.
-Phase 3: From May 15, 2010 to February 28, 2011: Repairing of the Zone B, the middle of Zone C and Zone G.
Moreover, there was also a renovation work for the whole area of this market including the surrounding infrastructure and it was completely done since early May 2011.
- Even though, the project was facing with some difficulties, the Capital Hall and AFD as well as the contractor and consultant were trying very hard to solve the problems successfully and would be officially inaugurated on May 25, 2011.


                                        Central Market Before the Renovation Work
                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                           
    

                                   Views of Central Market After the Renovation Work

                                                                                               

Details

Phsar Thom Thmey, aka Central Market, is the most interesting site for cultural tourism in Phnom Penh nowadays since it is one of the oldest site in this capital. Phsar Thom Thmey was built from 1935 to 1937 by French for Cambodia. In 1960s, there was the clear plan around this market. The tower of the market with four long branch looked like a flower in the green forest if there was a camera to capture from the sky, but this flower in fact was blooming in the central part of this modern city. The air system along with the construction was considered seriously. Green garden with several green trees were arranged in front of the wide entrance to the market. The car park along the road was set and respected by all citizens in Phnom Penh. As the business center, many people went in and out, but the tidiness of citizens during that time has been being admired until today. Many flats and tall buildings were built along each road near this market. The good view of proper plan for these buildings was seen through the picture captured in Sangkum Reastr Niyum (1953-1970). Many years was gone with changes of Cambodia’s political situation, the good view vanished. Luckily, Central Market is recovered with new style around the ancient building of this market within these last few years. The recovery is conducted with the long-term cooperation between Royal Government of Cambodia and Government of France. The new look of this market is being seen in this year. At last, the busiest business center from previous generation will go on towards the future of Cambodia. “Good Air system in construction bring good health for all people staying in this new building!”