ABU DHABI // The western end of the Corniche is to be transformed into a pedestrian plaza with shops, cafes and restaurants above a massive underground car park with 800 spaces.
The 16,000 square metre development will occupy the block between Al Khaleej Al Arabi and 32nd streets and maintain the existing 10,500 square metres of green space, with a pedestrian underpass below Corniche Road
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"Our aim is to increase the range and quality of . services and leisure activities along the prestigious Corniche beachfront," Rashid bin Ali Al Omaira of Abu Dhabi Municipality said yesterday.
Private-sector investors are being offered the chance to participate in the development through a build-operate-transfer arrangement.
"By reinforcing the Corniche as one of the defining landmarks of the city, visited by over one million people each year, the . development provides an exciting opportunity for the private sector to play a vital part in infrastructure improvements that support the Abu Dhabi 2030 vision," Mr Al Omaira said.
Ameen Mohsin, a businessman in the capital, said: "This is good opportunity for the private sector to have a good partnership with the public sector. Such moves further strengthen the private sector's businesses."
The municipality used to develop projects itself and rarely invited private-sector companies to be involved, Mr Mohsin said. "Now they are involved in every second project coming up in the city - it is a win-win situation for the private sector."
View New Corniche development in a larger map
Ramesh Panicker, head of corporate banking at Al Masraf Bank in Abu Dhabi, said: "In all developed countries, the government invites the private sector to be involved in such moves. If it is happening here, it is highly welcome."
Opening food and beverage outlets on a beachfront helps the community with leisure facilities, which can only be a good thing, Mr Panicker said.
"Public and private sectors working together can provide far better facilities to the community, as the private sector also has highly skilled and talented people who can contribute to world-class standards.
"It saves time if one gets new facilities in their neighbourhood, and particularly on the Corniche, which is a favourite place for almost all of the residents of Abu Dhabi. Such a huge number of parking spaces will be another respite, I appreciate this move."
