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Site visit: The Wharf Development, Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek must easily rank as one of the most picturesque and best-known locales in the emirate. Meandering through the historical Deira and Bur Dubai districts, it now begins and flows back to the Arabian Gulf thanks to the recently inaugurated Dubai Canal, an ingenious master development conceived by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President & Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Also rapidly taking shape on the shoreline of Dubai Creek and overlooking another Dubai icon, the famed Dubai Clock Tower, is master developer and asset manager Dubai Properties’ (DP) Wharf Development project in the core of the Culture Village, a multi-purpose (residential, hospitality and entertainment) development project on a 3,700,000sqm plot of land. When fully completed, the village will include a harbour, cultural and exhibition centres, and dockside development.

The mixed-use 30,000sqm luxurious waterfront project, costing $218 million, will eventually comprise four buildings, 594 apartments, 110 retail shops and over 2,080 parking spaces, most in basements.

Dubbed a low-rise JBR along the canal of Culture Village, the first of the completed quartet of residential towers, a ground plus seven-storey structure, was recently handed over to Dubai Properties, the property arm of Dubai Holdings, three months ahead of schedule.

The two other towers are currently well on track for scheduled handover in Q1 2017, while the fourth tower and development retail space will be completed in Q4 2017 as part of the phased handover.

A whiff of the wharf

On a walkabout as part of the site tour, Abdullah Abu Shabeib, senior executive director, Customer Care and Government Relations at Dubai Properties, is effusive about the offerings and pace of development at the Wharf Development.

“The Wharf Development is our newest flagship project and the latest in our long list of premium offerings in this prestigious location in the centre of the city, with close proximity to the major business districts and other leisure and entertainment centres.

“The completion and handover of the project ahead of schedule is in line with Dubai Properties’ commitment to delivering projects on schedule. The Wharf Development is a testimony to and reinforcement of our impressive track record in handing over quality properties that meet the highest and most demanding construction standards.”

The Wharf Development, as an integral part of the Culture Village, was conceived as a contemporary Arabesque township on the waterfront. “Stretching along the banks of the creek, the Wharf Development is designed to reflect the local ethos, art and heritage through the bespoke architecture of its residences and the diversity of the retail offerings,” he adds.

“Blending traditional and modern architecture brings a new flair and ambience to the residential community,” he observes. “This old-world charm and soothing atmosphere, complemented with the nearness to the Dubai International Airport and close proximity to the historical districts and both the traditional and new business enclaves of Dubai, is a great selling proposition.”

Dubai Wharf is the new address at the centre of Culture Village, dubbed a future landmark for leisure, dining and entertainment, with magnificent views of the historical Dubai Creek.

The residential towers have a unique contemporary design with a stone exterior featuring a large proportion of glazing and wooden textured shading while playing a functional role of improving efficiency, particularly in the building’s climate control and energy conservation capabilities.

Pedestrian bridges will be constructed over the canal to offer full connectivity throughout all Culture Village developments, while three pedestrian accesses will provide convenient seamless entry points to Dubai Wharf, retail facilities and the canal promenade.

Blissful living

According to Abu Shabeib, the complex has been designed to enhance living experience, with sustainable infrastructure, ample amenities, good security and natural beauty throughout. It has a private recreation area for residents including a state-of-the-art gym and swimming pool, as well as green spaces for a relaxed living experience. Conveniently located near Al Jaddaf station on the Metro green line, the complex, along with DP’s contiguous Manazel Al Khor and Anantara hotel developments, is easily accessible from Al Khail Road, Business Bay Crossing and Al Jaddaf Road.

“Dubai Wharf will be an attraction for both shopping and entertainment and is set to complement and boost Dubai’s reputation as a world shopping and culture hub. Retail outlets will ring the walkways and the six km waterfront promenade of the Culture Village, and along with several other comprehensive conveniences and entertainment propositions will boost the available lifestyle attractions and make it a compelling case for potential investors and buyers,” asserts Abu Shabeib.

“To date, over 70% of the 124 available apartments in the first completed building have been sold and sales transactions for the few remainder are at fairly advanced stages of negotiations and finalisation. The buyers constitute a mix of nationalities,” he says, without specifying.

“The Dubai Wharf project has three basement parking levels, common podium floors at ground and first level, and four towers with residential levels starting from the second level, which also has a range of amenities,” explains Moataz Al Talla, senior project manager at LACASA, architecture and engineering consultants for the project. “The project team on-site is ensuring that the highest standards are delivered in terms of quality and HSE requirements, following the authorities’ compliance.”

Engineering Contracting Company (ECC) is the main contractor for the project. At the peak of activity, over 2,000 construction workers were involved at the site, working simultaneously at different levels. “We are excited to work on this prestigious project and fully committed to ensuring the project is ready for occupation within the set timelines. In fact, we have beaten our own deadline by delivering the first tower a good three months ahead of schedule,” remarks General Director Khodr Aldah.

Infrastructure work in the Wharf Development includes road networks, internal bridges and electricity substations, sewage, irrigation, provision for storm water and potable water, and landscaping.

The Wharf Development is yet another addition to Dubai Properties’ robust leasehold portfolio and its completion will meet the growing needs and leisure demands of a rising population, says Abu Shabeib. “The Wharf Development will also support Dubai’s strides towards 2020 with a successful pipeline of timely handovers that support thriving occupancy rates across housing and retail.”

The Wharf Development is a special concept that synchronises both value and family comfort. It goes beyond floor space and plot sizes to create intelligent and practical living in a welcoming and soothing ambience. “The Wharf Development is livability coming together through thoughtful design, central locations, bespoke individuality and architecture meant to enhance lives. It has become integral to individuals and families who wish to take comfort to the next level,” Abu Shabeib concludes.

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