Sharjah Advisory Council will spend $952mn in compensation for the demolition of old, non-heritage buildings.
$952.8 million has been set aside by the Sharjah Directorate of Town Planning and Survey to compensate those affected by development projects in the emirate from 2007 to 2012, said Salem Al Suwaidi, director of Financial and Administrative Affairs and Public Relations on Tuesday.
During a meeting of the Sharjah Advisory Council, Al Suwaidi pointed out that the amount included compensation for the demolition of old non-traditional buildings. He added that historic buildings were identified and would be turned into museums as part of the Directorate’s plans to revitalise 13 areas of downtown Sharjah.
Furthermore, there are plans to develop the commercial and industrial zones of Al Dhaid, while the old centre of Maliha will have a Friday market and a market for camels and livestock.
Al Suwaidi added that borders had been drawn and work was now underway to restore the archaeological area of Al Madam.
The East Coast city of Khor Fakkan would see the development of an ‘urban renewal project’, he said. The limits of the heritage zone in Khalidiya have been increased and work is underway to revive the old market and neighbourhood of the heritage buildings, he told the Council.
In Dibba Al Hisn, work is underway to restore the ancient fort and develop the old marketplace, while the cornice area has been developed into a modern business zone. Kalba has seen the redevelopment of the fort, commercial area, waterfront and the Corniche.