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Masterplan for 3.5million sqm CBD approved by Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council
Concepts drawn up by the Abu Dhabi-based studio at Broadway Malyan for the masterplanning of Al Maryah Island - formerly Sowwah Island - have been approved by Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council. The immense 3.5million sq m plans conceptualise a new Central Business District (CBD) for Abu Dhabi and present an outline for the entire 144-hectare island which is built on a 14.25m-high podium, encircled by a 5.4km waterside promenade.
The first phase of the scheme is already under construction. The Goettsch Partners-designed Sowwah Square will create a thriving business hub for the region in an architecturally-impressive expression. The development has been designed to be highly sustainable and is centred on four main buildings offering 180,000 sq m of flexible office space with large floor plates and column-free interiors.
The remaining land on Al Maryah Island has been split into twelve portions which are currently open to offers, with a number of clients in negotiation with Mubadala Real Estate & Infrastructure which is overseeing this multi-billion pound investment. Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange has already secured a central plot in Sowwah Square.
Broadway Malyan’s masterplan creates an overarching concept for this remaining space, encompassing residential, retail, hospitality and commercial units interspersed with much-needed green open spaces.
The 3.5million sq m mixed-use development is linked to neighbouring urban regions by a complex infrastructure system including a multi-tiered road network and new transit system. There are also plans for air-conditioned above- and below-ground pedestrian channels linked to the transport network and an external waterside promenade which wraps around the entire perimeter of the island.
Speaking on the approval of the concept plans, James Rayner, Director at Broadway Malyan explains: “The green light for the concept masterplan is a major milestone in the creation of this huge new mixed-use development, with the success testament to close partnering with the client and the world-class skills, expertise and experience of our global masterplanning experts, as well as their understanding of critical factors such as local climate and culture.”
Broadway Malyan is providing the masterplanning, public realm, architecture and landscape design, and sustainability consultancy for the project.
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