Green light given to Abu Dhabi master plans
12 March 2009
Three master development plans slated to help transform Abu Dhabi into a major international hub have been given the green light by members of the Urban Planning Council.
According to Arabian Business online, the details of the mega projects, which include the Capital District Concept Plan, Khalifa B Master Plan and Shahama and Bahia Revitalisation Plan, will be officially unveiled at the upcoming 2009 edition of Cityscape Abu Dhabi.
Falah Mohammed Al Hababi, general manager, Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC), said the approval of the three plans was a major step towards the realisation of Plan Abu Dhabi 2030. Once completed, the 4,500 hectare Capital District Concept Plan will serve as a second government and economic centre in Abu Dhabi and would eventually be a sustainable, vibrant, compact, mixed-use city of 370,000 residents.
The Capital District would comprise high density transit oriented communities, major universities, hospitals and knowledge-based employment sectors, as well as a lower density residential neighbourhood. At the heart of the District will be local and national government infrastructure, federal buildings, embassies and international institutions.
Initiated by the UPC in August 2008, the Khalifa B Master Plan consists of three main components including a vision for public spaces and community facilities, a second master plan focusing on creating a vibrant new mixed-use area and a third component outlining the design guidelines for the development of a high quality neighbourhood. The UPC has also approved plans for the revitalisation plan for the communities of Shahama and Bahia along the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway first unveiled in June last year.
The project will also address the lack of community facilities, parks, shopping and housing in the area. A new town centre with transport hub and full array of amenities will also be delivered as part of the project.