Dubai: A new multi-facility Transit Oriented Development will take shape at the Union Square, next to Union Metro station in Deira, comprising residential, commercial and recreational spaces, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced.
Spread across an area of 19,000 square metres, the Union Oasis Project will be accomplished in partnership with private sector.
The project is aimed to raise the efficiency and users of mass transit systems through re-planning of districts around the metro stations. The project will contribute to augmenting the ridership of the Dubai Metro and develop the urban environment in the vicinity of Al Ittihad (Union) Station,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of RTA.
He added that the public transport oriented development at Al Ittihad Square is set on the model of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) between the RTA and a private developer to be selected in a public tender.
“The private sector will be able to blend the developmental and operational expertise with the business acumen to determine the exact concept and development aspects in accordance with the vision and objectives of the RTA for the location. The promotional campaign of the project will be kicked off on Thursday,” he stated.
The Union Square Project will be first Transit Oriented Development (TOD) destination in the region.
“The TOD concept has many success stories in Europe, Asia and America, bringing benefits to the communities, regenerating areas and creating positive commercial impact for those districts,” Al Tayer explained.
In developing the project around the Union Square, RTA is taking into consideration international best practices with regards to design of transit-oriented communities and will enhance them in consideration of local and regional context and requirements, besides establishing a multi modal transit centre which will boost the business of Deira area.
“The project focuses on providing high-class residential and office environment characterised by pedestrian-friendly roads, green spaces, vital utilities, retail outlets among others. The high population density in the project will contribute to supporting RTA’s drive towards encouraging the residents to use public transport means, besides providing an enjoyable avenue for residents and visitors alike,” he further added.
