One of the highlights of the residential and tourism project will be its solar systems, which will provide electricity for villas. According to its developer, the Kleindienst Group, Heart of Europe will comprise 75 private holiday villas, six hotels, six apartment buildings, six floating palaces and six lighthouses on the islands of Germany, Holland, Austria, Russia, Sweden and Switzerland.
Josef Kleindienst, group CEO, believes solar power appeals to environmentally-responsible investors. "The 20 private holiday villas we are building on the island of Germany will all be zero-energy villas and a demonstration of the technology for which the country is renowned. The villas will only use approximately 20 per cent of the energy they produce, enabling them to sell the excess to the grid for consumption by our forthcoming hotels and restaurants."
Villa owners will have to pay about Dh300,000 for the solar system. Apart from this, Josef says, "All homeowners will have to pay ongoing maintenance costs for the upkeep of their villa and island. These fees will be agreed through a homeowners' association. Sub-developers on The World are responsible for all services and infrastructure on the islands. "We do not have a tie-up with DEWA at this stage. Permanent power and water will not be provided until adequate demand is in place to warrant it. That is why we are focusing on alternative energy sources and a water recycling programme."
Medical facilities will be available when the project is ready. "Once the project is completed, there will be a small medical team and medical centre based on Sweden.
"As soon as construction begins on Germany, we will have a permanent lifeguard, trained in first aid, available for any medical emergencies. In addition to this, there is also a response unit on call by boat and helicopter."
Construction will begin in the first quarter of 2010. The plots, all with sea frontages, range from 6,000 to 40,000ft².
