Muscat Municipality has affirmed that work is progressing on the project to redevelop the Ruwi Business District (CBD) to enhance the quality of public facilities and improve the urban landscape.
Also known as the Central Business District (CBD) in Ruwi, the project will include expanding green spaces, seating areas and parking spaces, pedestrian walkways, restrooms, self-service kiosks and the use of modern technology, among other facilities.
The project spans an area of approximately 360,000 square meters.
These development projects are in line with the Master Plan for Greater Muscat, which is one of the outcomes of the National Urban Development Strategy."
The Ruwi Business District Development Project is a pivotal step in Muscat Municipality's vision to transform commercial centers into vibrant, sustainable destinations that align with the development pillars of Muscat Governorate.
Long-term plans
The areas on both sides of the clock tower in Ruwi will be revitalized as per the Greater Muscat Structure Plan (GMSP), which is awaiting final approval for its implementation.
It may be recalled that the CBD clock tower has been earmarked for the terminus line that will run all the way through Sultan Qaboos Street via Al Khuwair Downtown to Sultan Haitham City.
Earlier, speaking to the Observer, Ahmed al Dughaisi of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning said the master plan revitalizes the Central Business District (CBD) and Muttrah Business District (MBD) areas.
Property owners and investors will be allowed to raise the floor level of the existing apartment buildings by three to five floors from the current levels, according to the designs prepared by planners.
The developers will be required to prepare a structural audit of their buildings because some of them are very old.
They will also have the option to demolish and rebuild, depending on the audit, or go ahead with adding floors to the existing buildings. These decisions will depend on the agreements between the property owner and investors.
These plans are part of the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), which calls for integrated townships to bring people and activities together by offering efficient transit service to the rest of the city.
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