Dubai Lover :

Redesigning Bur Dubai & Deira
i think something had to be done in this area. it's still the heart of dubai, but not the most beautiful. especially in the evening, when all the traffic is blocking these areas, it's horrible.


Dubai Municipality to redesign CBDs in Deira and Bur Dubai

Dubai Municipality has announced plans for redesigning the central business districts of Deira and Bur Dubai by incorporating several modern features.

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/1/8081-dm.jpg

The move is part of the civic body's efforts to develop Dubai according to international standards and reinforce its position as a world-class city.

Abdullah AbdulRahim, Director of the Planning and Survey Department at the municipality, said development of the central business districts in Deira and Bur Dubai is extremely important due to the commercial and social significance they assume.

'Our plan is to restore both the areas by incorporating their prominent architectural as well as social features so that they are perfectly in match with the urban development currently taking place in the city. Besides, this will boost its economic activity and promote its image as an important destination for businessmen, traders and shoppers - both from the country as well as abroad,' he said.

AbdulRahim noted that the department will conduct a planning study in this effect which would identify the architectural and demographic characteristics of the central business districts and draw up an urban development plan that applies all the possible features in order to improve the urban environment.

'For restoring such features to these areas, we will adopt legislation for planning, building and monitoring activities in the area. Besides, efficiency of the road network will be increased and the open areas would be improved as part of the urban fabric of the area thereby turning it into an ideal environment for work and business activities,' he said.

The planning study will involve three phases with the first phase focusing on studying the current situation covering such aspects as the urban environment and population. It will also involve gathering information about the urban characteristics and nature of commercial activities in the area.

The second phase will include analysing data collected during the first phase and identifying the main issues that need to be addressed and planning solutions which could be adopted in order to achieve the project's objectives.

The third phase will focus on suggesting the appropriate planning and design solutions for the issues related to the urban structure of the area, introducing legislation and planning programmes for overcoming the negative aspects, and directing the growth process. This will be done in close coordination with all competent government authorities in the emirate.

He noted that the main objective of the study is to introduce appropriate legislation for developing the area that are practical and can be implemented by the private sector in a bid to raise the efficiency of the central business districts.

AbdulRahim added that the Planning and Survey Department has prepared computer-generated images that show how the areas would look like once the proposed legislation is in place.

Report From Gulf News
http://www.gulf-news.com/Articles/Nation2.asp?ArticleID=129633

Ok then well NEw thread now you can copy accross any posts that you feel are closely related to the TOPIC !

here's another article! i just wonder how they will do this. there's only chaos in this streets, so much traffic and people. it will become even more chaotic when streets will be closed for construction works!!! for this time of redesigning deira's und bur dubai's creek area will be the place to avoid!!!!


------------------------------------------------------

Civic designs aim to give Deira and Bur Dubai a modern look


Dubai: The municipality has announced plans for redesigning the central business districts in Deira and Bur Dubai by incorporating several modern features.

http://www.gulfnews.com/images/2004/08/22_design1.jpg

Modern features
The move is part of the civic body's efforts to develop Dubai according to international standards and reinforce its position as a world-class city.

Abdullah Abdul Rahim, director of the planning and survey department at the municipality, said the development of the central business districts in Deira and Bur Dubai is extremely important because of the commercial and social significance they assume.

"Our plan is to restore both areas by incorporating their prominent architectural as well as social features so that they are perfectly in match with the urban development currently taking place in the city.

"Besides, this will boost its economic activity and promote its image as an important destination for businessmen, traders and shoppers - both from the country as well as abroad," he said.

The department will conduct a study to identify the architectural and demographic characteristics of the central business districts and draw up an urban development plan that applies all the possible features to improve the urban environment, Abdul Rahim said.


http://www.gulfnews.com/images/2004/08/22_design2.jpg

"For restoring such features to these areas, we will adopt legislation for planning, building and monitoring activities in the area.

"Besides, efficiency of the road network will be increased and the open areas will be improved as part of the urban fabric of the area, thereby turning it into an ideal environment for work and business activities," he said.

The planning study will involve three phases with the first phase focusing on studying the situation covering such aspects as the urban environment and population. It will also involve gathering information about the urban characteristics and nature of commercial activities in the area.

The second phase will include analysing data collected during the first phase and identifying the main issues that need to be addressed and planning solutions that could be adopted to achieve the project's objectives.

The third phase will focus on suggesting the appropriate planning and design solutions for the issues related to the urban structure of the area, introducing legislation and planning programmes for overcoming the negative aspects and directing the growth process.

This will be done in close coordination with all competent government authorities in the emirate.

The main objective of the study is to introduce appropriate legislation for developing the area that is practical and can be implemented by the private sector in a bid to raise the efficiency of the central business districts.

The planning and survey department has prepared computer-generated images that show how the areas will look once the proposed legislation is in place.

block off all the streets no traffic at all !

yeah, the best idea, but i think these shops in bur dubai will have to close. maybe they should only let people go through this area that live there. so they can let one lane open!

but one thing is for sure. if they start closing only some roads, this place is like hell!

it seems there are only two opportunities:
1) close and block everything
2) don't do anything

I agree with closing off some central streets for pedestrians. But you don't want to close off TOO many streets. This tends to make a city more like a theme park. I kinda like how the creek still operates as a working dhow port. Can you imagine if the authorities made all the dhows relocate to some sterile purpose-built port miles away down the coast. The waterfront corniche would be so dead.

found this new one called al yamamah building on the arabtec website!

located near city center! didn't want to add this to tower thread, as this is a cheap lowrise! so i added this to redesigning deira & bur dubai!

http://www.arabtecuae.com/images/inside_pages/altenative_001.gif

looks pretty nice for a cheap lowrise

its not a cheap lowrise, looks pretty awesome to me.

municipality will redesign small area at twin towers:

this is the first step!!!

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/4/8204-dm.jpg

Cool street to be turned into a recreational spot

Dubai Municipality is currently undertaking a unique project at a cost of Dhs4 million to turn one of the coolest and busiest streets in the city into a pedestrian precinct providing traders, shoppers and visitors a place to unwind.


This was stated by Eng. AbdulRedha Abul Hassan, Acting Director of the General Projects Department at Dubai Municipality, who noted that the project, which is expected to be completed by December 2004, involves converting the existing road, to the north-east of the Twin Towers and parallel to Bani Yas Road, into a superb recreating facility where traders and shoppers can spend their free time.

'We have already closed the street and works have begun on this Dhs4 million project. We feel that because Dubai's importance as an international trading hub is growing day by day, these kinds of facilities are a must. Based on the success of this project, there will be more of this kind in future,' he said.

Abul Hassan added that the proposed pedestrian precinct would include an amphitheatre, a 130-meter water fountain, two coffee shops and display pumps. There will be soft and hard landscaping with nearly 14 high-quality date palms being planted plus small green spots in between.

'What distinguishes this 2400 square meter area is that it is shaded during most of the day time because of the high-rise buildings in the area. It also enjoys continuous air circulation thanks to the open areas at both ends. We, therefore, understand that this is an ideal location for setting up this facility where people can have lunch and coffee breaks, casual chats or spend an idle time together,' he noted.

The area will also provide an opportunity for traders to install advertisement hoardings, which will attract a lot of potential shoppers.

Dubai Municipality has recently announced plans for redesigning the central business districts of Deira and Bur Dubai by incorporating several modern features as part of the civic body's efforts to develop Dubai according to international standards and reinforce its position as a world-class city.

The plan is to restore both the areas by incorporating their prominent architectural as well as social features so that they are perfectly in match with the urban development currently taking place in the city. Besides, this will boost its economic activity and promote its image as an important destination for businessmen, traders and shoppers both from the country as well as abroad.

predestians malls are great when in small amounts belive this a good move for dubai

yes, and if they do things like these step by step into spice souk direction, this area will become nicer. at the moment the corniche is not really nice. too many old houses at the waterfront! but they are already demolishing some of these!

in my opinion the area from spice souk to twin towers has to be redesigned and renewed, because it's quite ugly there!

Beautification project worth Dh 4 m to be built in Dubai

The project, expected to be completed in December, includes construction of an amphitheatre, a 130 m high fountain, cafe's and exhibition areas and involves diversion of a road northeast of the Twin Towers building in the Bani Yas area.


According to an official at the Dubai Municipality, the project is being built on a surface area of 2,400 sq. metres.


"The Municipality will execute similar projects in other places in Dubai metropolis in a move to provide amenities for traders, shoppers and visitors of crowded shopping areas," said Abdul Redha Abul Hassan, Acting Director of Projects at the Dubai Municipality.

130m fountain? sounds huge :O
it probably means the height of actual fountain building, right?
or does it mean how far the water will go :|

hmmh, found this http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?ID=30255
world's tallest fountain 560feet/170m.
so 130m could be possible but it would totally wet everybody :D

that does sound big may be would be better in the center of the creek ?

BEFORE

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d610b3127cceb5db138c27f40000001610

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d610b3127cceb5db138ba6c30000001610


AFTER

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/4/8204-dm.jpg

much much better
also I just noticed to low rise and I like it - 12-14 floors not that bad

thanks for the "reality" pic. looks quite ugly right now! trees, plants and water are missing!

dont u guys think Abu dhabi's downtown is much better then dubai's

dont u guys think Abu dhabi's downtown is much better then dubai's

i guess its more organized. Dubai had the downtown and old buildings even before making roads. it was some sort of BOOOM. so, the fast developing affected it in a bad way. while Abudhabi had the chance to develope smoothly and beside Abu Dhabi do destroy old building and build new ones and make new roads. both ways i dont like Abu dhabi downtown.

i read a new jogging track will be built at al mamzar park. ok maybe it's a bit outside deira, but this are needs some beautification as well

http://dubaiphotomedia.com/dubai/doc_cont.asp?id=32312

some more info on redesigning!


Bur Dubai and Deira's souks to be revamped


Dubai Municipality will soon start a detailed study on how the crowded central business districts of Deira and Bur Dubai could be for redesigned to make them more convenient, aesthetic and better planned. Rebuilding and modernisation of the central business districts is part of the civic body’s efforts to develop Dubai according to international standards and reinforce the emirate’s position as a world-class city.

“Our plan is to restore both the areas by incorporating their prominent architectural as well as social features so that they are perfectly in match with the urban development currently taking place in the city. Besides, this will boost its economic activity and promote its image as an important destination for businessmen, traders and shoppers - both from the country as well as abroad,” said Abdullah Abdul Rahim, director of the Planning and Survey Department at the municipality.

He said the project is now at the planning stage and that his department will soon conduct a study that would identify the architectural and demographic characteristics of the central business districts and draw up an urban development plan that applies all the possible features in order to improve the urban environment. No time frames have yet been applied.

“For restoring such features to these areas, we will adopt legislation for planning, building and monitoring activities in the area. Besides, efficiency of the road network will be increased and the open areas would be improved as part of the urban fabric of the area thereby turning it into an ideal environment for work and business activities,” said Abdul Rahim.

The planning study would involve three phases with the first focusing on studying the current situation covering such aspects as the urban environment and population. It will also involve gathering information about the urban characteristics and nature of commercial activities in the area.

The second phase will include analysing data collected during the first phase and identifying the main issues that need to be addressed and planning solutions which could be adopted in order to achieve the project’s objectives.

The third phase will focus on suggesting the appropriate planning and design solutions for the issues related to the urban structure of the area, introducing legislation and planning programmes for overcoming the negative aspects, and directing the growth process. This will be done in close coordination with all competent government authorities in the emirate.

AbdulRahim noted that the main objective of the study is to introduce appropriate legislation for developing the area that are practical and can be implemented by the private sector in a bid to raise the efficiency of the central business districts.

i guess its more organized. Dubai had the downtown and old buildings even before making roads. it was some sort of BOOOM. so, the fast developing affected it in a bad way. while Abudhabi had the chance to develope smoothly and beside Abu Dhabi do destroy old building and build new ones and make new roads. both ways i dont like Abu dhabi downtown.

Aghhhhh you Dubaians :)

here is my gift....

I dont think that it is done yet because it was supposed to have a cafe which i didnt see.

http://www.ayuplanet.com/smussuw/Image(154).jpg

http://www.ayuplanet.com/smussuw/Image(156).jpg

nice... like the above pic...!

where is it exactly? next to / behind deira twins?

where is it exactly? next to / behind deira twins?

yes.... I used my fone camera so it doesnt show well.

still looks far better than the clogged streets of before
how do the apartments above look ?

اعتماد مشروع نافورة شارع بني ياس بتكلفة 8.8 ملايين درهم

http://tinypic.com/e5kbqs.jpg

اعتمدت بلدية دبي مشروع نافورة على شارع بني ياس يعتبر من المشاريع المهمة التي من شأنها تزويد المدينة بعناصر جمالية وترفيهية تساهم في خلق أجواء حضارية لتزيد من كفاءة تطور المدينة. ومن المتوقع أن يبدأ التنفيذ أكتوبر المقبل وستستغرق المدة 196 يوماً. وسيتم إنجاز المشروع منتصف يونيو المقبل.


وصرح المهندس محمد حسن العلي رئيس قسم تصميم المشاريع بإدارة المشاريع العامة في بلدية دبي بأن مشروع النافورة على شارع بني ياس تبلغ تكلفته 8 ملايين و894 ألف درهم. ويقع المشروع في منطقة رقة البطين وتبلغ مساحة الأرض المخصصة لمشروع النافورة حوالي 4700 متر مربع سيتم استخدام هذه المساحة «بلازا» كميدان أو ساحة تجمع للمنطقة المحيطة.


وقال إن أبعاد النافورة تبلغ 42 متراً طول و41 متراً عرض ويبلغ ارتفاع ضغط المياه للنافورة حوالي 7 أمتار مما يجعلها مرئية من شارع بني ياس الحيوي. كما سيتم تزويد النافورة بنظام إضاءة ليلي متعدد. وتتألف عناصر المشروع الأخرى من اثنى عشرة نافورة صغيرة بعرض مترين، وجلسات مظللة متضمنة مقاعد خشبية وركناً لجلوس الأطفال،


ومدرجاً بانحدار بسيط مزوداً بمقاعد مكسية بالرخام والخشب المعالج إضافة إلى مظلة بارتفاع 3 أمتار للحماية من العوامل الجوية، ومنصتين لعرض السيارات، وعناصر نباتية مؤلفة من أشجار جوز الهند وزهور موسمية، وأرضيات ملونة ومتنوعة وعناصر إضاءة للمشروع، كذلك تم إضافة سماعات للمنطقة وذلك لجعلها أكثر راحة للمجتمع.

Probably the smartest and one of the best projects in Dubai right now. I'm so glad they are not neglecting the true Dubai!

didn't they say there will be a 150m fountain
maybe it's part of this project

may be. but i still wonder where such a huge fountain could be there.

can you post before and after pictures

didn't they say there will be a 150m fountain
maybe it's part of this project

The height would be 42m. This is a totally different project than the one behind the twin towers.

I dont believe that it has a 150m fountain anyway.

nevertheless the tallest single fountain in the world is supposed to be in BD lake isn't it?

looks great

looks wonderful~~~ :)

Designs for five projects worth Dhs203 million ready

Dubai Municipality has completed final designs of five different projects across different parts of the emirate that would offer a variety of services to the city's residents.

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/6/18986-AlMamzar.jpg

Works of the projects, which are undertaken at a total estimated cost of Dhs203.86 million, would begin by the end of this year or early next year.

Qassim Sultan, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said the projects include a Dhs10 million project to carry out landscaping of Al Mamzar Interchange and the adjoining streets, a Dhs150 million annex building for Dubai Municipality, a Dhs10 million public library complex at Al Mankhool, the Dhs9.18 million headquarters for Al Nahda Women's Association in Hatta, and a Dhs8 million Ladies Club for Dubai Municipality's female staff.

'Works of the landscaping and beautification project for Al Mamzar interchange and adjoining areas will begin soon. It will be completed in nine months,' he said.

Sultan noted that Al Mamzar interchange is regarded as a gateway to Dubai from Sharjah and other northern emirates and enough consideration is given to this point in implementing the beautification project.

'A large number of vehicles pass through this junction every day. In designing the landscape of this area, we have considered the significance of this interchange. Various types of plants including date palms, ground-covers, grass meadows and flowers will be used in the project. Some portions shall be fixed with small and large rocks along with plants suitable for the environment,' he added.

Apart from the interchange, parts of Al Ittihad Road between Al Mulla Plaza and Al Ta'wun interchange and road-sides as well as the median along the roads leading to the interchange would also be planted with small types of plants, green meadows and seasonal flowers. Where there is no underground service cables, large trees would planted, he noted.

The DM annex building project, which includes a large car parking facility for the staff, would be tendered soon, said Mr. Sultan. He added that initially, a two-story building would be built with two basements and ground floor, with the provision of adding a 20-story tower in future.

Basement 1 would offer 283 parking spaces while Basement 2 would have 309 parking lots. The Ground Floor would house a reception and waiting area for customers, offices for Dubai Municipal Council, prayer areas for men and women plus commercial shops. There would be 77 parking lots outside the building.

The first floor would consist of offices for Information Technology Department while the second floor would include offices for the Geographic Information Systems Centre in addition to offices for future use.

The Al Mankhool Library building, which consists of ground and first floors with a total built-up area of 2400 square metres, will include separate main reading halls for male and female visitors, a fully-equipped children's reading hall, separate reading halls for magazines and periodicals (for male and female visitors), a multi-purpose hall that can accommodate 150 persons, administrative office, general services, prayer hall, store, guard room, shaded for children's games, small garden and a parking lot for 42 cars.

The new library would be located close to the Eid prayer ground in Al Mankhool area and it could serve the highly populated areas of Bur Dubai such as Karama, Satwa, Al Dhiyafa, Al Jafiliya and Al Mankhool.

The Al Nahda Women's Association building in Hatta, to be built at a total area of 3114 square meters, would include an administrative block, a recreation facility, cultural complex, nursery and kindergarten facilities, and sports complex.

'The facility would give a boost to the association's activity in Hatta,' said Mr. Sultan.

The Ladies Club would be built alongside the existing DM Staff Club in Al Garhood area. The club would include all recreational facilities such as those for practicing sports, work-outs, yoga and a health club consisting of Jacuzzi, sauna, steam and massage facilities. There will be internet booths and a hall for children equipped with appropriate games.

Anyone noticed any progress?

'Pond parks' to increase green areas in Dubai

http://www.gulfnews.com/images/06/04/03/04_nation_parks_4.jpg
A new concept by constructing plazas in busy areas will feature open space, shaded areas, coffee shops, sitting area with trees and greenery.

Dubai: At least 10 new generation parks called "pond parks" will be built in Dubai as part of Dubai Municipality's plans to increase green areas and provide more recreational facilities to residents.

Construction of the eight "pond parks" in Ghusais, Barsha, Nahda and Al Quoz will start this year and they will be ready within a year and two parks will be built next year.

"We are spending Dh843 million on various projects to increase greenery in the city by building parks and launching landscaping projects along roads, roundabouts and intersections," said Rashad Mohammad Bukhash, Director of the General Projects Department at the Dubai Municipality.

He said that about 1,207 hectares of land would be converted into greenery during the next two years.

As part of its plan, the Municipality is carrying out 101 greenery projects including 29 parks in residential areas, 45 community projects for community facilities and 27 landscaping projects on roads.

"Private investors have been invited to operate facilities in the 'pond parks' including boating, internet cafes, restaurants, games and other entertainment facilities," said Bukhash. The Municipality will maintain the parks but their facilities will be outsourced.

The "pond parks" are being designed to suit the needs of residents to relax while working in a big city.

The Municipality is currently working on an ambitious plan to achieve per capita greenery of 25 square metres by 2012.

It has plans to annually increase green areas by carrying out plantation covering 330 to 350 hectares to achieve the target of eight per cent greenery by having greenery across 4,838 hectares by 2012.

Plazas being built in busy areas

Dubai Municipality is introducing a new concept by constructing plazas in busy areas, especially those around high-rise buildings, said Mohammad Hassan Al Ali, Head of Project Design.

"Construction of the first such plaza will start this year in the Port Saeed area behind Deira City Centre," he said.

The plaza will feature open space, shaded areas, coffee shops, sitting area with trees and greenery. "It will be just like a neighbourhood park where people working in offices in high-rise buildings can relax any time near their work places," said Al Ali.

another nice little project
i cannot get enough of these :)

although they are in districts i rarely go to :D

they need to work on the whole central disrtrict.

i jus came from dubai and this area is the main area of dubai but its in a mess.

this topic was created in 2004, so since then what has actully happened in deira, i didnt see anything, its way to dirty.

^^ the area is clean but old

The resdesigning project isnt for the whole bur Dubai and Deira. Only dedicated places have the redesign.

Business District to be given a makeover

The Central Business District, located on both sides of the Dubai Creek, is set for a mammoth transformation according to recent plans revealed by the Dubai Municipality.

In a bid to make the area more pleasing to the eye, building facades will be completely renovated and wide-open plazas created.

Some buildings in the area will be demolished as part of the beautification drive, but a municipality official could not say which ones will go, until the approval to do so is received from the highest level.

The municipality source also said the plans will not take away the traditional feel of the area and added the changes will fit in with the heritage of the district.

The area destined for a makeover represents the oldest part of Dubai and is located between Al Baniyas Road and Musalla Road in Deira and Khalid bin Walid Road and Musalla Road in Bur Dubai.

As traffic is so congested on roads in both Bur Dubai and Deira, a decision has also been made to pedestrianise much of the district.

In an attempt to encourage pedestrians, planners also want to convert 2,100m of roads, including parts of Naif Road and Al Fahidi Street in Bur Dubai, into pedestrian-only streets with canopy coverings to keep people shaded.

Hamid Hattal, head of the comprehensive planning and studies unit at the municipality’s Planning and Surveying Department, said in addition to renovating some buildings in “a way that will reflect the character of the historic area”, officials are also preparing new rules to unify the signage used by shop owners.

Other planned changes will include creating several open areas, but Hattal said at this stage it was not possible to reveal where they will be.

One problem facing planners is the fact that most of the land in the area is privately owned and it is not yet known how the owners will react to the proposals.

Hattal is aware that not everybody will be happy with the new plans, but he said it is being done for the overall good of the area.

He said: “Our main goal is to keep the character of the area. This is where Dubai started.”

If they want to convert the roads to pedestrian pathways, they have to build several multistoreys parking buildings in the aerea.

^^ just what i was about to say, parking is going to be an issue if so.

but they can convert the plots which are parkings now into multistorey buildings, as long as the plots are not first line...


open plazas sounds nice.

Multistoreys and underground parking for any new buildings. There'll have to be be some sort of scheme for dealing with the traffic so that it doesn't just spill somewhere else.

Nice to see this part of Dubai finally getting some attention. Besides building beautifications, they now need to get rid of the pimps, prostitutes, illegal street traders and beggars. That should sort most of the mess out.

underground car parks are simply impossible malec.

Well, if they can have undergound malls in DIFC then I'm sure an underground carpark or two is possible aswell ;)
Am sure it's not impossible, just expensive

Anyway, I don't think they should get carried away with this whole thing. They should definitely do it but not TOO much otherwise it starts to become a bit disneyesque. :)

multi storey parking buildings on every other block is what they need... something they already have in deira but they need a lot more...

2km of pedestrianised roads is a lot. What I think would be better would be to make only some key areas pedestrian-only and make the rest partially pedestrian. For example, here in Cork our main shopping street had 2 lanes of traffic in each direction and small footpaths so it was pretty crowded. Now they've made the footpath much wider and reduced traffic to 1 lane either way. This could be a good thing to do.

Well, if they can have undergound malls in DIFC then I'm sure an underground carpark or two is possible aswell ;)
Am sure it's not impossible, just expensive




of course, nothing is impossible.

but this is close to the creek, DIFC is not, different water level etc.

^^

Still not impossible and definitely doable, just a little pricey ;)
Example, here in Cork the buildings (finished 2 years ago) in the picture below have 2 levels of underground parking and look how close to the water they are. Also the water there is shown at low/mid tide.

http://www.corkcity.ie/heritage/images/Clarion4.jpg

but they can convert the plots which are parkings now into multistorey buildings, as long as the plots are not first line...

^^ Agreed! Look at the number of car parking lots in the downtown plot map I created for Deira. Such a colossal waste of prime land! :ohno:

^^ And you drive a car yourself :D

how come i didn't notice this nice thread :)

^^ And you drive a car yourself :D

yes, but I am not in the areas that will be affected. :)

Still, the parking lots in that plot map are such a waste of good land!

What's the story with this project? Are they done?

Any photos of the finished product?

Nice to see this part of Dubai finally getting some attention. Besides building beautifications, they now need to get rid of the pimps, prostitutes, illegal street traders and beggars. That should sort most of the mess out.

Some would say you are trying to rip the heart out of the city

Walkers and investors stay away from pedestrian street

http://www.gulfnews.com/images/07/02/21/22_ae_street01_4.jpg
The pedestrian street located behind the Twin Towers in Deira lacks activity and some parts have been vandalised.

Dubai: The first pedestrian street in Dubai continues to wear a deserted look with investors reluctant to open shops, despite costing Dubai Municipality Dh4 million to set up.

The municipality converted one of the busiest streets in Deira behind the Twin Towers on Baniyas Road into a pedestrian plaza over a year ago, with the intention to provide a quiet place for residents and visitors to relax, but it has not worked out as planned.

Private sector investors have not jumped at the opportunity to open coffee shops, restaurants and entertainment services, Gulf News has learnt.

"We have been trying to attract investors to set up coffee shops and restaurants or have some entertainment facilities for residents and visitors but so far we could not get interested parties to liven up the place," said a senior official at Dubai Municipality. He said the civic body was negotiating with a number of parties, as well as coffee shops in the area by asking them to open their businesses on the street.

Shaded

What distinguishes this 2,400 square metre area is that it is shaded during much of the day by the high-rise buildings. It also enjoys continuous air circulation thanks to the open areas at both ends. "We, therefore, understand that this is an ideal location for setting up this facility where people can have lunch and coffee breaks or spend time together," the official said.

Based on this project, the official said, there was a plan to set up similar pedestrian streets in the city but the civic body did not get a positive response.

Residents and shopkeepers also expressed reservation on converting such a busy road into a pedestrian street.

"We have lost at least 50 car parking spaces in the already congested area and it has also added to traffic congestion due to diversions," commented a shopkeeper in the Twin Towers.

The pedestrian precinct includes a small amphitheatre, a water fountain and a small sitting area. The street has been vandalised with damage to concrete tiles evident on the fountain and amphitheatre.

"The street is not even cleaned properly," said a resident.

The municipality hoped to attract advertisers to the area to generate revenue but so far there are no advertisements.

i walked by that area last night. still looked like a bit of a shithole.
if the municipality wants to liven up that area, closing a road isnt going to cut it. they have to actually rebuild a new area, make it look clean and modern, repaint and even offer to renovate the storefront areas of the buildings around it.

^^ Something went wrong for sure. It seems as if DM don't care about it anymore.

DONE!