Masterplan seeks to restore the past glory of Ruwi CBD
Property developers to get opportunity to raise floor levels of buildings
Published: 09:10 AM,Oct 08,2024 | EDITED : 05:10 PM,Oct 08,2024
Muscat: 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 station that will pass all way through the Sultan Qaboos Street via Al Khuwair Downtown to Sultan Haitham City.
These areas have been labeled as the Blue Spine Metro corridor.
According to Ahmed al Dughaisi of GMSP, the upcoming master plan calls for the need to revitalize the Central Business District (CBD) and Muttrah Business District (MBD) areas.
Property owners and investors will be allowed to raise the levels of their existing apartment buildings by three to five floors from the current levels, according to the new designs prepared by urban 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 again depending on the audit or go ahead with adding floors to the existing buildings. These decisions will depend on the agreements between property owner and investors.'
These plans are under the transit-oriented development that calls for integrated townships to bring people and activities, together by offering near-excellent transit service to the rest of the city.
The Greater Muscat Masterplan will be developed in four phases.
The Observer earlier reported that the clock tower will get a complete facelift with the development of a boulevard, green area, walking and bicycle tracks, and other activities, in addition to using the wadi that passes through the area.
The Central Business District in Ruwi has been a financial hub in the country for years, but that status has changed since the emergence of new business hubs in Ghala and Airport Heights.
It may be recalled that the CBD clock tower has been earmarked for the terminus station that will pass all way through the Sultan Qaboos Street via Al Khuwair Downtown to Sultan Haitham City.
These areas have been labeled as the Blue Spine Metro corridor.
According to Ahmed al Dughaisi of GMSP, the upcoming master plan calls for the need to revitalize the Central Business District (CBD) and Muttrah Business District (MBD) areas.
Property owners and investors will be allowed to raise the levels of their existing apartment buildings by three to five floors from the current levels, according to the new designs prepared by urban 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 again depending on the audit or go ahead with adding floors to the existing buildings. These decisions will depend on the agreements between property owner and investors.'
These plans are under the transit-oriented development that calls for integrated townships to bring people and activities, together by offering near-excellent transit service to the rest of the city.
The Greater Muscat Masterplan will be developed in four phases.
The Observer earlier reported that the clock tower will get a complete facelift with the development of a boulevard, green area, walking and bicycle tracks, and other activities, in addition to using the wadi that passes through the area.
The Central Business District in Ruwi has been a financial hub in the country for years, but that status has changed since the emergence of new business hubs in Ghala and Airport Heights.