Old structures in Sharjah city centre to be torn down

Sharjah: The Department of Town Planning and Survey has announced plans to demolish old houses and buildings in Sharjah's city centre.

According to Salah Bin Butti, Director General of Department of Town Planning and Survey, the demolition will be carried out in phases and owners will be compensated accordingly.

The moves are part of the municipality's urban development programme that has been ongoing since the late 1970s.

The areas that are part of the development programme include: Al Qulaya, Umm Al Tarafa, the old area of Mussallah, Al Guwair, Al Fisht, and Mareija.

Old structures in the area of Al Mujarrah next to the Heritage Area will also be demolished except for two buildings, which will be preserved and maintained by the Archaeological Department.

Bin Butti pointed out that only houses that have no cultural value will be demolished, and that residents will be notified in advance when they should evacuate the building.