Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has called upon the local, regional and international business communities to submit proposals for the development of a multi-usage Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) project above Union Metro Station, based upon a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement.
According to a statement from the RTA, the proposals should include the development of another project called Deira Plaza, which will be developed as a rooftop entertainment plaza/café, with a car park. The two projects will be half a kilometre away from each other, forming a synergy for development, it added.
Union Metro Station is one of Dubai Metro’s busiest interchange stations. Located in the Deira area, it is a connection point for the Red and Green metro lines. The invitation comes as part of the UAE leadership’s vision to promote PPP to ensure the highest quality of life for Dubai residents, the statement added.
“The idea of this project, which is aptly named ‘Union 71’, is based on a mix of commercial, residential and retail units. It will be located exactly above the Dubai metro underground station,” said Ibrahim Al-Haddad, director of commercial and development at RTA’s Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector.
“The location is suitable for TOD as the metro, bus and marine stations are in close vicinity. Accordingly, it will serve the purpose of encouraging and easing the mobility of various community members,” he added.
“The TOD project at the Union Square will be undertaken by RTA and a private developer selected through a process of a public tender after the assessment of proposals submitted in accordance with the applicable contractual procedures. The private developer can mix the operational and commercial experience to accurately define the concept along with the development aspects in accordance with RTA’s vision for the site. The promotional campaign of the project has already started,” explained Al Haddad.