ABU DHABI, 9th November, 2015 (WAM) -- The master plan for the development of Shakhbout City, featuring additional housing for residents and community facilities such as parks, mosques, schools and hospitals, has been completed by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, UPC. The Master Plan has now been formally handed over to Abu Dhabi City Municipality, ADM, for implementation.
The completion of the Master Plan is the result of close collaboration between the UPC and all government stakeholders, including the ADM, Abu Dhabi Education Council, ADEC, the Health Authority - Abu Dhabi, HAAD, General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, AWQAF, Abu Dhabi Distribution Company, ADDC, and Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA).
Shakhbout City, formerly known as Khalifa City B, is a major residential development on Abu Dhabi Mainland, approximately 30 kilometres from the Abu Dhabi Island Central Business District, northeast of Mohammed Bin Zayed City and south of Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Covering a total area of 1,854 hectares, the Master Plan incorporates much needed community facilities for residents in a strategically important area close to Zayed City, the new seat of Federal Government and location for federal ministries and foreign embassies.
While Shakhbout City is anticipated to be home to approximately 80,000 residents in the future, there is already an established community there, and the Master Plan has been designed to sensitively revitalise its existing neighbourhoods, including streets and amenities, in addition to adding new public realm and community facilities. The UPC has taken on board feedback from Shakhbout City’s residents to ensure that the master plan incorporates their requirements, where appropriate.
In line with feedback to provide UAE national housing, the Master Plan also incorporates the allocation of 323 additional UAE national housing plots, as well as a ‘district park’ in Shakhbout City’s business centre. In addition, plots for commercial buildings, government service centres and community facilities, such as nurseries, community centres and cultural associations, have also been planned.
The Master Plan is in line with the vision outlined in the UPC’s Plan Capital 2030, ensuring that all residents enjoy a high standard of living, within easy reach of good quality community facilities.
Abdulla Al Sahi, Acting Executive Director, Planning and Infrastructure, UPC, said, "Shakhbout City is a vital component of the UPC’s vision to create sustainable, attractive neighbourhoods for all Abu Dhabi residents. It’s strategically important because we envision it becoming a ‘feeder’ community for Zayed City, offering residents attractive employment and leisure opportunities within a short commute.
"The updated master plan makes provision for the kinds of facilities outlined in our Complete Sustainable Communities initiative which guides our strategy for ensuring all residents of Abu Dhabi enjoy easy access to facilities that enhance their quality of life. Shakhbout City is an excellent example of the UPC’s approach to creating revitalisation plans for existing communities, in addition to plans for new communities, to ensure a balance of facilities across the Emirate."
WAM/Ahlam/Moran