Dubai: Work on the Union Oasis project that will transform the area around the Union Metro station into a multi-facility transit hub will begin this year.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has invited private firms and investors to work jointly on the project.
Tenders for the project will be accepted from May, RTA announced on Sunday, while issuing the guidelines for the project.
The project comprises the construction of mixed-use towers above the Union Metro station in an area spanning 15,000 square metres.
First of a series of Transit Oriented Developments (TOD) that are expected to reshape Dubai’s urban landscape, the Union Oasis is aimed at making public transport more accessible to people.
Announced more than a year ago, the TOD venture will transform the Union Metro station location into a multi-facility transit hub.
“The Union Oasis Project is the first manifestation of TOD concept in the region, which promises to be a prominent destination for residents and visitors of Dubai. This project focuses on developing the Union Square by providing an exquisite environment, including residential units, offices, pedestrian-friendly streets, landscaping, vital utilities and retail outlets, among others,” said Abdullah Yousuf Al Ali, CEO of RTA’s Rail Agency.
He added that the anticipated high population density of the project would support RTA’s drive towards encouraging the people to use mass transit modes, and will also serve as a comfortable, enjoyable place for residents and visitors alike.
“The RTA will adopt the world’s best practices in designing transit-oriented communities, and seek to develop such communities in the context of local and regional requirements, which would contribute to the rejuvenation of Deira neighbourhood,” he said.
He pointed out that RTA has issued guidelines for interested developers and investors who can sign into the project webpage through RTA’s website www.rta.ae.
“The main objective of issuing this guideline is to highlight all particulars and commercial ends of the Union Oasis project, including a Letter of Intent for participation in the auction,”
Union Oasis, which was formerly a public park, will offer 15,000 square metres of mixed development that will include recreational facilities and green areas, residential apartments, commercial spaces as well as retail outlets.
The facility will have direct access to a Metro station served by both the Red and Green lines, situated just a few metres away from the proposed development, while the Union bus terminal is just 200 metres away and the marine station at a distance of 500 metres. The property is surrounded by other important landmarks such as Dubai Municipality Head Office, etisalat Head Office and Al Ghurair Centre.
The first such project in the region is designed to reduce the use of cars, with a proposed 50 per cent reduction in parking space at the development.
The TOD, which could trigger a new wave of similar developments, will be consummated in a public private partnership model, with RTA offering the land on lease to potential developers or investors for a period of 30 years from the date of signing the contract.
Approved by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Union Oasis is a concept designed by architect Raymond Mather from Atkins.
