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Abu Dhabi / WAM
Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy and sustainable development company, and the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) on Tuesday announced the UPC’s approval of the Detailed Master Plans for Phases 2 and 5 of Masdar City, one of the world’s most sustainable urban developments.
Masdar City is targeting a 4 Pearl Estidama Community Rating, the first development in the UAE to do so. The approval of the City’s new Detailed Master Plans also coincides with Masdar’s 10-year anniversary and an ambitious phase of expansion now under way at the City.
Around 35 per cent of the planned built-up area for Masdar City will be completed over the next five years – up from 5 per cent today – and nearly 30 per cent has been committed to, including private homes, schools, hotels and more office space.
Phase 2 of Masdar City involves a dedicated R and D cluster built around many of its existing pilot research projects served by a residential community including 2,000 apartments, a GEMS Education school, restaurants, cafes and parkland. Phase 5 is primarily villas and townhouses surrounded by recreational amenities and green open spaces.
Anthony Mallows, Masdar City Executive Director, said, “Obtaining the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council’s approval of the Detailed Master Plans for Phase 2 and 5 opens the way for the future ambitious expansion of Masdar City, and is further evidence of our commitment to realise the world’s most sustainable urban development.
“Masdar City aspires to be a model for the way our cities are built in the future, setting new standards for reducing energy and water demand, waste and carbon emissions. We look forward to becoming the first development in the UAE to achieve the 4 Pearl Estidama Community, working in partnership with the UPC.â€
The City’s forward-thinking plans meet, and in many cases exceed, the requirements of the UPC’s standards and manuals, while giving the development a strong identity and the flexibility to accommodate its future organic growth.
The highly collaborative approach of Masdar’s Master Planning and Design Team and the UPC’s Urban Development & Estidama Sector has delivered an optimised urban framework focused on sustainability and innovation. The highly replicable plans create a continuous public realm that promotes community building and knowledge exchange.