Sharjah: A new Dh146-million facelift will bring the busy road artery of University City Road up to best international standards, it was announced on Monday by the Sharjah Urban Planning Council (SUPC).
Dubbed the University City Road Enhancement Project, the civic project will be carried out in collaboration with the Sharjah Road and Transport Authority.
The project will transform the land in front of the existing businesses on University City Road, the planning council said in a statement, starting from Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road to University City.
The aim is to retrofit the roadway “into a modern, well organised, usable and sustainable public realm,” the planning council said.
“The space will include wide sidewalks for strolling and cafes, native species landscaping areas, a bike path for exercise and ample parking. It will be constructed with high-quality materials meant to transform the way Sharjah implements future public infrastructure improvements. The project designs and plans are based upon international best practices regarding drainage systems, roads, lighting, parking lots, and green areas.”
The new project will use unique designs and top-quality construction materials.
Shaikh Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Urban Planning Council, said: “The project is part of a series of civic improvement projects being executed by the SUPC as part of its comprehensive strategic planning to ensure sustainable development coupled with social, urban and economic integrity at all levels.”
Khalid Al Ali, Secretary General of SUPC, explained that the project will extend almost three kilometres encompassing around 52,000 square metres of land, at an estimated cost of Dh146 million.
Full lighting facilities have been ensured along with parking areas for different requirements, including designated spaces for people with special needs in addition to safe pedestrian passes.
“It will not only improve the quality of life for residents by offering more pleasant and usable surroundings, but it will also help the area businesses thrive by making it a destination of choice. Particularly, the students of the nearby universities would find it an inviting and stimulating place for activities,” Khalid said.
