Listen mate!!!
Should I take it as a threat?

Then why the F**K are so pissed about it? what relation you got with this project? Or is it the developer got you screwed up to your neck!!!

your 6th post and already so aggressive.
get the hell out of here.

Listen mate!!!
Should I take it as a threat?

Then why the F**K are so pissed about it? what relation you got with this project? Or is it the developer got you screwed up to your neck!!!

I don’t know what your native language is, but in English the term "mate" is not a derogatory term. It is meant as a light and friendly gesture of openness and courtesy, even to someone that you have never met before.

If I buy a newspaper on my way to work, or exit a taxi and leave a tip, I usually say "thanks mate" simple as that.

If you feel threatened or intimidated by this then I suggest you go to your GP (that’s a Doctor), and say “Doctor I think I have an inferiority complex, or maybe even a persecution complex”. I’m sure he can refer you to the relative mental health professional who can provide the counselling needed that will make you into a fine upstanding member of the community and not act in such a silly childish manner when someone is politely disagreeing with your opinion.

As for my interests in this project. I am an investor in the Marina project and will one day be a resident, so if I feel that a proposal will have a detrimental effect on my future neighbourhood then I feel I am justified in voicing my concern’s.

If it is ok then I will post to all tallest block active threads and Marina main thread for people to cut and paste the e-mail into Sheik Mo's contact link. and all send it at the same time. I reckon this Sunday at 12:00 midday GMT or Dubai 3:00 pm. If they all go through within 10-20 mins of each other his in box will look great when it gets opened, and i am sure he will at lest be told what happened.

There seems to be a problem. 12:00 GMT does not happen at the same time as 15:00 in Dubai. There are four hours difference between GMT and Dubai (I think you are getting confused due to daylight savings time). Do you want (a) 12:00 GMT (13:00 BST) and 16:00 in Dubai, or do you want (b) 12:00 BST (11:00 GMT) and 15:00 in Dubai?

Please select one time so this can happen successfully.

Well spotted.

I think as long as we all get the e-mails in around the same time it will have the desired effect as the inbox will look like a long list of identical subject headings.

To keep things simple (for my sake:nuts: ), lets aim for 3:00 pm Dubai time.

In an ideal world it would be great to hit their server all at the same time, but in reality it is unlikely.

The main point is that as many people send the e-mail as possible, on the same day.

There has been much discussion on the Marina Sky Towers thread about the impact this proposal will have on the Marina Walk area.

Many investors and residents have stated how the proposal looks ugly, and hardly blends well into the existing area. How it looks is purely subjective and is largely irrelevant. The effects it will have on the vicinity however is factual and without doubt is negative for all concerned in the area.

Not just in terms of how it will look having a 14 floor podium surrounding this part of the Marina, but in terms of the following issues that 2 residential towers of 119 floors and 1 commercial tower of 105 floors will bring;

Volume of traffic.
Pollution.
People movement.
Lack of facilities in the area,
Lack of visitors parking in the area.
Noise.
Length of construction time.
Degradation of existing projects.

If you feel that your home, investment or business will be adversely effected by any of these issues then I suggest you send the following text to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at his e-mail address here – http://www.sheikhmohammed.ae/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=4f455c1090cc4110VgnVCM1000007064a8c0RCRD

If he receives enough e-mails with the same subject heading and text from enough people, I am sure it will be brought to his attention that many people feel that this proposal will have a detrimental effect on his vision. There are already several Skyscraper City members who have agreed to send this text as an e-mail this Sunday 18th May at 3:00 pm Dubai time (or as near to this as you can). By a mass e-mailing on the same day the websites inbox will have the desired impact to be noticed.

Projects have been altered, cancelled and even re-instated by Sheikh Mo and other organisations on the back of people power. So have your say.

Subject line
MARINA SKY TOWERS - WILL RUIN THE MARINA

E-mail text
Assalamu-alaikum, Your Highness.

As an admirer, investor, and future resident of Dubai Marina, I feel I am duty bound to relay my deep concerns for a proposal that has recently been unveiled within Dubai Marina.

So far, your vision of Dubai has been widely accepted around the World as a masterpiece, and is quickly gaining the worldwide reputation of an example of class, style and luxury.

We are a collective Forum of Property Investors, Architects, Construction Enthusiasts and lovers of Dubai at; http://www.skyscrapercity.com/ We have a membership of more than 180,000 and more than 15 million posts within our Forum. It is currently in the top 60 most popular forums on the Planet. Source - http://www.big-boards.com/board/361/ The UAE has it’s own section, as indeed does Dubai Marina. http://www.skyscrapercity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=577 The Marina Sky Towers proposal also has it's own section http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=601617&page=8

The reason we are appealing to you is that we feel the aesthetics of Marina Sky Towers will not add to the beauty of the Marina but will be an ugly intrusion into what is currently an area of architectural splendour. The sheer size and mass of the proposed structures will not blend into the existing cityscape and will not fit well with the surrounding architecture. It will not compliment landmark developments such as the original Phase 1 complex and the surrounding towers. The height and scale of the proposal, in particular it's oversized podium will be totally overbearing to the area and will not make residents or visitors feel at ease with their surroundings, let alone enjoy the waterfront lifestyle. Furthermore the traffic and logistical problems that this will introduce into what is already an overcrowded area will be disastrous for the Marina. The increased volume of traffic generated by towers of this height and volume will make it near impossible to move freely around this already crowded end of the Marina.

The reason for our concern is not a selfish attempt to preserve a view from an apartment. It is to prevent what will definitely have a negative impact on the area as a whole. If this development gets built, people will come to Dubai Marina from all over the world and wonder why on earth did they do that? It looks so out of place.

Obviously your decisions are well thought out and carefully considered, and we admire your strength of character and judgement when it comes to planning the legacy you will leave to your people, and the wider world.

We would however respectfully recommend that this project is considered carefully before it’s too late, as we feel that the concept of creating a city within a city is in danger of being ruined in the name of maximising profits.

We sincerely thank you for consideration of this matter, and hope that you appreciate our views and concerns.

Insha Allah.

PUT YOUR NAME HERE

Wonderful stuff High Times..:)

Generally any massive glass tower (and probably most massive towers anyway) look good from directly underneath. You get this "holy shit!!!" sort of feeling :)
It's the podium that bugs me the most here. It should be sunk 6 or 7 floors into the ground, then it'd be great if the rest of the podium had setbacks and some facilities, etc so that it adds to marina walk rather than takes away from.

High Times, you can take it to the main thread if you want but don't think you should post in every tallest block thread on the forum. Anyway I think impact would be 10x greater if you could get some media involved :)

I agree that one of the problems with this project is that it does not add anything to the marina it only takes away in the name of selfish profit. It does not contribute anything in return. Where are the facilites for the residents of the marina in return for its oversized intrusion?

It is good to hear that the launch has been delayed 6 months and there is a chance this project will be cancelled.

good staff High Times and thanks for invite Sheikh Mohammed to the SSC:)

hopefully , he will see some messages..

May I play devil's advocate and offer counterpoints to High Times' points:

Volume of traffic.
New facilities already approved or under-construction: nearby metro station (500 meters away), tram line stop (100 meters away), Al Sufouh Rd. widening and new bridge (6-lane dual carriageway, 100 metes away ), luxury buses serving Al Sufouh Rd. vicinity. Admitted, more is needed, like underground direct access from Marina Sky Towers to metro station, water taxis through Marina and to PJ--these are all doable. Traffic jams? Let's not forget, Dubai is making efforts to get people--including the rich-- out of their cars. You'll have luxury buses and luxury cars on the metro and tram. You will have Salik (tolls) all over Dubai's expressways and bridges. At present it is IMPOSSIBLE to get to/around the Marina without a car. This won't be the case in the near future. People WILL leave their cars at home.

Pollution.
People WILL leave their cars at home. These are upscale areas--people will not be throwing trash all over the place and there will be cleaners all around. The marina canal is dirty now because of all the construction. I see no reason why it can't be thoroughly cleaned and maintained in the future.

People movement.
At present there is but one pedestrian/shopping destination in the Marina, Marina Walk. This won't be so in the future--Marina Mall, Marina Arcade, JBR Walk, Dubai Promenade, etc. and eventually the full Marina promenade will be open with 9 kilometers of walkway and shops and cafes at various podiums. There will be no reason for everyone to crowd into Marina Walk, even its immediate residents. Again, I would strongly push for an underground plaza to connect directly to the metro--the center city stations are underground; this can be built.

Lack of facilities in the area.
Every luxury tower in the vicinity will have its own facilities for its residents. See above shopping/pedestrian options. There isn't now and probably never will be a park in the Marina. We'll have to live with that. Options-- 1) take metro, tram or car to Safa Park (beautiful, massive and largely underused) or Jumeirah Beach Park. 2) spend a couple hundred dirham now and then and use the luxury hotels' beach and park facilities.

Lack of visitors parking in the area.
Duh! That horrendous 14-story parking podium will include a few parking spaces--visitors will just have to pay for their parking or leave their cars at home. Shall we suggest a 20-floor podium if anyone thinks we'll need more parking?

Noise.
It's an urban setting, part of the Marina's appeal. This isn't a beachside resort. Traffic noise will be reduced if people use the other transport options. Construction noise will finally end when these projects are completed--in 5 or 6 years?

Length of construction time.
This is Dubai. Anyway, the Marina area is way ahead of everywhere else and most projects will be complete in another 5 or 6 years?

Degradation of existing projects.
Except for some blocked views and shadows cast, another luxury development at prices that only the super-rich can afford should still bring more value to the district.

Too many of the complaints are based on current conditions for which improvements are already underway. This isn't a Western city where municipal projects take years/decades of studies and approvals before they get built. New infrastructure is completed in 2-4 years here. :cheers:

This project could have been nice.. ok..

reduce the podium by two or three floors.. remove one tower or at least make them slimmer to allow for more light, and reduce the height by 30F and voilá..

I agree with you, and I really like this project. But then I hope some changes could be made so every body is happy.






May I play devil's advocate and offer counterpoints to High Times' points:

Volume of traffic.
New facilities already approved or under-construction: nearby metro station (500 meters away), tram line stop (100 meters away), Al Sufouh Rd. widening and new bridge (6-lane dual carriageway, 100 metes away ), luxury buses serving Al Sufouh Rd. vicinity. Admitted, more is needed, like underground direct access from Marina Sky Towers to metro station, water taxis through Marina and to PJ--these are all doable. Traffic jams? Let's not forget, Dubai is making efforts to get people--including the rich-- out of their cars. You'll have luxury buses and luxury cars on the metro and tram. You will have Salik (tolls) all over Dubai's expressways and bridges. At present it is IMPOSSIBLE to get to/around the Marina without a car. This won't be the case in the near future. People WILL leave their cars at home.

Pollution.
People WILL leave their cars at home. These are upscale areas--people will not be throwing trash all over the place and there will be cleaners all around. The marina canal is dirty now because of all the construction. I see no reason why it can't be thoroughly cleaned and maintained in the future.

People movement.
At present there is but one pedestrian/shopping destination in the Marina, Marina Walk. This won't be so in the future--Marina Mall, Marina Arcade, JBR Walk, Dubai Promenade, etc. and eventually the full Marina promenade will be open with 9 kilometers of walkway and shops and cafes at various podiums. There will be no reason for everyone to crowd into Marina Walk, even its immediate residents. Again, I would strongly push for an underground plaza to connect directly to the metro--the center city stations are underground; this can be built.

Lack of facilities in the area.
Every luxury tower in the vicinity will have its own facilities for its residents. See above shopping/pedestrian options. There isn't now and probably never will be a park in the Marina. We'll have to live with that. Options-- 1) take metro, tram or car to Safa Park (beautiful, massive and largely underused) or Jumeirah Beach Park. 2) spend a couple hundred dirham now and then and use the luxury hotels' beach and park facilities.

Lack of visitors parking in the area.
Duh! That horrendous 14-story parking podium will include a few parking spaces--visitors will just have to pay for their parking or leave their cars at home. Shall we suggest a 20-floor podium if anyone thinks we'll need more parking?

Noise.
It's an urban setting, part of the Marina's appeal. This isn't a beachside resort. Traffic noise will be reduced if people use the other transport options. Construction noise will finally end when these projects are completed--in 5 or 6 years?

Length of construction time.
This is Dubai. Anyway, the Marina area is way ahead of everywhere else and most projects will be complete in another 5 or 6 years?

Degradation of existing projects.
Except for some blocked views and shadows cast, another luxury development at prices that only the super-rich can afford should still bring more value to the district.

Too many of the complaints are based on current conditions for which improvements are already underway. This isn't a Western city where municipal projects take years/decades of studies and approvals before they get built. New infrastructure is completed in 2-4 years here. :cheers:

how can you say that the rich will leave their cars at home?
where else in the world do they do that?
well, nowhere. why should they start in hot-weathered dubai?

and do you actually believe that luxury busses/trams will be perceived as an incentive to use pubblic transport?


i agree with steve, a few changes could make this project a good addition to the upper marina. however, unless someone powerful steps in, i really doubt DAS will even consider our concerns.

"Rich" is a relative term. What I mean is "rich" enough to own both a flat and a car in Dubai Marina. I, as one such creature, would be happy to leave my car in the parking garage and use alternate means of transport as long as it is comfortable and convenient in terms of stops and frequency. In Japan, for example, where every family is "rich" enough to have a car or two, they usually leave the car at home when they commute, go shopping, etc. when rail transport is available. They do this even in the middle of the hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.

i work for one of the 'big' banks in osaka and none of my clients come to see me by public transport.

anyhow, i'm not here to classify people accordingly to their preferred mode of transportation; all i'm saying is that expecting a majority of wealthy residents to use public transport to avoid turning the marina into a massively congested zone is just not sensible.

Tram will take many many years to be realized and during construction it will only cause more traffic jams and chaos.

The only good thing is that the people who can afford living in the Marina only stay there for a couple of years before they return to their home countries. Only a few who are living there right now will witness the completion of the Marina - in 2020? However due to the poor quality of the buildings some of them will be cracked down again or will have to be renovated before that time...

Do not forget, also the "older" beach hotels, starting with the Oasis Beach, will be replaced by larger ones causing another permanent chaos.

That's Dubai and nobody is here because of the nice landscape and surroundings...

Also sent email to Sheik Mohammed.

I dont mind new tower or towers to be build in that space, however the enormous project proposal :nuts: ... is so not right!

Whatabout building somethink more thinier, smaller??

.... just my thoughts

good stuff GO DUBAI ;)

Personally it would be really good to see more greenery on the marina. I think if they don't cancel the project, then they should at least re-consider:

a) the size of the structure,
b) possibly the design, e.g. remove the centre tower, and move the remaining two into new positions to make them stand aesthetically.
c) definitely the podium should be sunken further
d) create some villa / townhouse kind of buildings at the foot of the structure (in a layered fashion), so that it fits in with the rest of the buildings around that part of the marina
d) create space around the structure where visitors can sit and admire the surroundings and add more greenery

IMHO

I originally wanted to post in the Dubai Marina thread above, i still may do it, but i just feel sorry for this tower. I believe it looks lovely BUT please just take her from this particular building plot!

Dubai Marina especially Phase 1 is such a lovely place to meet, walk, or just visit is because it looks lovely etc.,

However instead of this project, I ideally like to see a park with a playground to accomodate for all the families moving in / having a holiday.

Or even me bein boring (which is hardly ever, hehe. ok being silly now), what about a car park? I mean how many parking spaces are there (OK apart from parking spaces for residents in Marina buildings).

Totally agree with you, from the road to the marina should have been a park. Even the Torch should not have been built, and then I would still have my marina views that I paid for from the Pinnacle. Hard life isn't it.

^^ Agree. a park would be a perfect thing to put here, as lovely as these buildings are.. there in the wrong place.:ohno:

"Rich" is a relative term. What I mean is "rich" enough to own both a flat and a car in Dubai Marina. I, as one such creature, would be happy to leave my car in the parking garage and use alternate means of transport as long as it is comfortable and convenient in terms of stops and frequency. In Japan, for example, where every family is "rich" enough to have a car or two, they usually leave the car at home when they commute, go shopping, etc. when rail transport is available. They do this even in the middle of the hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.

Just to second this sentiment, I'm staying at the Marina Promenade and If I am still alive by the time the tram system is functioning, I will surely make use of the stop infront of the MP!

Just sent the High Times' e-mail to Sheikh Mohammed, had to send a few hours early as leaving home now. Can I urge everybody to do the same today.........fingers crossed. BTW many thanks High Times for writing such an excellent letter.

I also sent an email today at the agreed time.

I'm not too convinced we got a substantial amount of hits today. I wonder if it's worth fixing another date/time and having a second round of emails to keep the momentum going??

I wonder whether other investors/homeowners of the marina - but outside skyscrapercity, know of MST.

Is there a forum or way of gettting those people to also become aware of the proposed plot's construction? If they found out, I am sure they won't be happy bunnies either. The more people who get to know, the more of an impact that we could make in raising this issue to Sheikh Mo and Co.

I am going to email my friend in Marina Heights and see if he is aware. I bet not.

All MST info has been posted on MHT forum :)

Yesterday evening I have showed the fotos of bloody MST to the owners in Marina Heights... as a result most of them will sell as soon as possible, everybody was shocked about that ugly monster. By the way Betterhomes as an exclusive agent for MST, is asking the owners in Marina Heights to sell...

So Betterhomes will buy MH apartments for cheap and sell with a high premium to unsuspected buyers as ready to move in apartments with great and un-obstructed view over the Marina. :nuts:

So Betterhomes will buy MH apartments for cheap and sell with a high premium to unsuspected buyers as ready to move in apartments with great and un-obstructed view over the Marina. :nuts:

.........or perhaps they just see a great opportunity to scare everyone out and then resell genuine Marina Facing apts - because MST - at least in it's present form - will never be built! They wont even have to lie; - hmmm that may be a problem for a real eatate agent!! "Errrm - no lying - just run that past me again - how exactly does it work?"

Yesterday evening I have showed the fotos of bloody MST to the owners in Marina Heights... as a result most of them will sell as soon as possible, everybody was shocked about that ugly monster. By the way Betterhomes as an exclusive agent for MST, is asking the owners in Marina Heights to sell...

Sheet. That explains the queue of 123 removal vans this morning :lol:

^^ You guys are so quick ... A1Million was quicker though. :D

If this ugly monster somehow manages to lobby its way through approval then sales are not supposed to start for another 6 months, construction start in 1 year then 6 years for construction. So you are looking to at least 2015 for completion.

By the way Sheikh Mo ordered a year or so ago that all towers in Dubai Marina must be completed by 2012.

Change title to PROPOSED. This tower has not been approved so far and I very much doubt that it will.

One source I read, is quoting BHomes today as stating a release for sales in 3-4weeks.

Chaage title to PROPOSED. This tower has not been approved so far ...

I kinda agree with that.

One source I read, is quoting BHomes today as stating a release for sales in 3-4weeks.

Then they will have to refund all investors later :) If they are selling now then they are doing so illegally. The tower is not offically approved yet. It is only a concept.

How did it get that status anyway? Because of Cityscape?

Maybe Sheikh Mohammed has executive controls on this forum? :dunno:

^^ You guys are so quick ... A1Million was quicker though. :D

I completed the sale of my apartment exactly two weeks ago ;)

:cheers:

:applause:

Well done AlMillion, just in the nick of time :lol:

Marina Sky Towers is a very bad investment. You will need to tie your money up there for 7 years with no return in the middle of the Dubai property crash due in 3 or 4 years time. It will also be overpriced to factor in the increasing build costs.

I would be amazed if they managed to sell out Marina Sky Towers in its current form. 50% of the units will have views no better than the torch.

http://i27.tinypic.com/348hlqr.jpg

:lol: It looks ridiculous

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/1205/mstyr8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/1205/mstyr8.0a0946cdb4.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=80&i=mstyr8.jpg)

I would be amazed if they managed to sell out Marina Sky Towers in its current form. 50% of the units will have views no better than the torch.[/QUOTE]
^^
Prob less than 50% since MHT will exceed TT height by 36 odd floors and MHT by 66. But yeah will be some odd views backwards on lower levels.

if the project has to get approval who would give it the approved status...Emaar?

do you think there would be any mileage in sending the HT email to Emaar as we did to Sheik Mo? just a thought.

^^ Projects are approved by the relevand departments of Dubai Municipality.

^^ Projects are approved by the relevand departments of Dubai Municipality.

Are they contactable by email?

Perhaps we should re-direct the emails we sent to Sheikh Mo...

^^ I am talking about formalities, but Sheik Mohamed is still the boss.

I assume all projects are not formally approved by Sheikh Mo, but if they are by Dubai Municipality (DM), then is there any harm in sending an email to DM?

As Altin rightly says most decisoins are eventually given the ok by Sheik Mo.

After Burj Dubai and Palm Jumeirah the Marina is the most important project in Dubai, especialy now that the masterplan is neaaring completion (meaning not many plots/new launches to go until everyone knows what will go where).

MST is arguably one of the most prominent developments in the Marina if not Dubai.

I can guarantee that Sheik Mo will need to sign this off to go ahead. Just like he got them to change the colour scheme of the inside of the Burj Al Arab. I think micro manager is the polite phrase, some people may prefer control freak. Rightly so in my opinion, and partly the reason for Dubai's success to date.

This man is the Father of New Dubai and he is aware that the end pruduct of his vision is how he will be judged by his people, the world, and his critics.

^^:ohno: You guys are seriously disillusioned if you think the Ruler of Dubai (as well as being the Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE) makes all decisions like these.

Don't you think he may have more pressing matters on his plate (political, regional and federal, not to mention the horses) than having to sign off every tower and project being built in Dubai?

Emaar owns all the land in Dubai Marina and it is Emaar's decision on who they sell that land to and the design of what gets built on it.

Mohammed Alabbar is your key man before Sheikh Mo in trying to get this stopped. Wasn't there a You Tube video posted on one of the threads about one year back, showing Alabbar in an meeting with his senior design team? From memory he was kicking off because the back of one of the buildings in the marina was pig ugly but it had somehow been allowed to be built?

Don't get me wrong - trying to bring it to Mo's attention may work, but I think you are going to get more chance by proposing your objections to Alabbar, who may not even know about it himself.

http://www.alabbar.info/


:lol::lol::lol::lol:

AITU

If you seriously think the big man doesnt oversee all the big decisions in Dubai then your seriously mis-informed.

Have a look at the megastructures video on the Burj Al Arab and watch the man studying the design and making them change the paint colours etc.

Dubai is his vision, yes he has others to do the day to day management, but the big picture is all his. As for not having any time, The man spends most of his time sat writing poetry and studying theology. Dont forget this is not a western politician running around like a headless chicken trying to win votes and please everyone whilst keeping the media out of his arsehole.

He doesnt need to play politics and so his time can be spend building a nation to match his vision.

Maybe I am seeing things, but does it not look suspicious that the left edge of MST podium including it's corners at the left side front and back of the podium match up with the erected fence (line) in the full front shot of the plot?

Sorry I am having difficulty pasting the image I have drawn on to indicate the bits that matchup between MST and the fence line.

Are we really sure it's not approved?

if you looks at Scoot's post @ May 14th, 2008, 06:32 AM you can see the fence line on the left. Compare that to the actual pictures posted by Imre of the podium and you should see what I mean.

Having worked on this project before it became Marina Sky Towers, I am quite disappointed with the current proposal. Unfortunately, it is a Profit driven development, and ultimately will be built

ramzy, if you mean this

http://i31.tinypic.com/2gvuel3.jpg

this fence border has been there for 1 or 2 years I think.

As ryearch says, this is a profit driven project so they are simply filling the plot as much as possible with this hideous project.

Hi HT

It's not the blue fence I was referring to, but the grey looking fence which is inside of the blue fence.

I assume you were referring to the blue fence in your previous post.

Is the grey thing a fence? Or a concrete slab going into the ground?

http://i30.tinypic.com/25649qu.jpg

When did the grey wall appear. I seem to remember that they did preliminary work there a year ago ?

Yes, that is from the shoring work done some time ago ...

Marina Sky Towers is a very bad investment. You will need to tie your money up there for 7 years with no return in the middle of the Dubai property crash due in 3 or 4 years time. It will also be overpriced to factor in the increasing build costs.

I would be amazed if they managed to sell out Marina Sky Towers in its current form. 50% of the units will have views no better than the torch.


Sorry Steve, my view is they will sell out very quickly, it is now after all, have the best views in the Marina.

Alan

Sorry Steve, my view is they will sell out very quickly, it is now after all, have the best views in the Marina.

Alan

No, No, No - Bay Central will have the best views! :banana:
Hopefully, I will not be able to see this MST monstrosity (especially the podium).

Btw i heard that they are lowering the towers to 20 floors :)

BUT BUT BUT!!! the podium will be raised even more!!!!

Damn this project is going crazy!!!

Btw i heard that they are lowering the towers to 20 floors :)

BUT BUT BUT!!! the podium will be raised even more!!!!

Damn this project is going crazy!!!


^^Please tell me your joking! I can't take much more of this stupidity!:nuts:

Before

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/4026/marinareadyforrender1mj7.jpg


After

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/2461/marinareadyforrender2qn3.jpg

http://i25.tinypic.com/2v28wv8.jpg

^^ :hahaha:


More like this? :)

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/7725/fantasy9lj9.jpg

I will continue to dream :lol:

Malec, your supertall would have been perfect. Maybe someone will pick it up one day. I have to say that I actually don't hate the Marina Sky Towers project. Of course, it is a worst nightmare for Torch and Marina Heights owners, and it is too massive for its location, but as far as towers go, they have some appeal and it does mean 3 more supertalls for the tallest block.

There is still a plot between MH and TT for that :nuts:

This render from malec illustrates the problem with MST.

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/4463/marinareadyforrende8na5.jpg

Apart from the podium issue, it is basically a 120f brick wall in front of all the towers in the block. Completely wrong for this plot. I could live with the height perhaps if they reduced the width of the towers or removed a tower.

the Emirates crown is almost 300m tall and looks so damn small :nuts:

I like the waterslide atop the Torch :lol:

^^ :lol: good idea.

Is it possible that the plot between TT and MH will now be requirted as access for traffic to MST - or is this just a dream for 03 and 04 aspect TT owners? Like others have commented I can't see how they can build that highway around MST which is shown on the model. MST looks big enough so that it would require more than one point of access and that space between TT and MH would look like an obvious place to put one exit/entry.

Is it possible that the plot between TT and MH will now be requirted as access for traffic to MST - or is this just a dream for 03 and 04 aspect TT owners? Like others have commented I can't see how they can build that highway around MST which is shown on the model. MST looks big enough so that it would require more than one point of access and that space between TT and MH would look like an obvious place to put one exit/entry.

The current theme of greed and maximising $ per sq ft with a total disregard for surrounding infrastructure and masterplanning leads us to one very probable outcome...

Is it possible that the plot between TT and MH will now be requirted as access for traffic to MST - or is this just a dream for 03 and 04 aspect TT owners? Like others have commented I can't see how they can build that highway around MST which is shown on the model. MST looks big enough so that it would require more than one point of access and that space between TT and MH would look like an obvious place to put one exit/entry.

^^ Yep. They can access under the TT/MHT park.
http://i27.tinypic.com/23ljloz.jpg

Brilliant idea - lets hope someone takes it up!

MST should build the park as a gift to the block!

By the way the MST proposal includes access to the podium by car on 3 sides.

This plot will be another 90+ fl tower.

^^ I think there are enough units in this block now, perhaps a 90+ floor entertainment and facilities park would be more useful :)

Do you know for certain or just from hearsay ?

Shit this could even connect across the road to the Marina Arcade roof garden, running track, thingy.

I have no specific knowledge about this plot but it is clear to me now that any sense of coherent planning with regard to logistics, aesthetics and genuine facility requirements are way down the list for those at the helm of the good ship Dubai.

The only thing that matters here now is £PROFITS$.

As a businessman, this is not a concept that I am against, however with any business be it developing a city from sand, setting up a restaurant, or selling shoes and handbags, overt greed is a bad strategy for long term success.

Dubai is now turning into a massive land grab to covert sand into cash. It is starting to happen everywhere in Dubai. I hear that JBR beach clubs are now under threat and they will be car parks instead. Well if that happens then I’ll bet my mortgage (all of them) that this car park will miraculously turn into a redevelopment of apartments and shops in years to come.

Even Hotels are now realising that they are too small and taking the commercial decisions to demolish and rebuild to maximise floorspace. They were original planned and built when the emphasis was on quality not quantity (they got it wrong).

All that land between the tallest block and the beach will be developed too. So there are going to be some really pissed of people around in Dubai in the next 5-10 years.

My fear is that Dubai will become a victim of it's own success.

As long as the crude oil price stays high this is fuelling the desire to invest in property. I read a report from an investment bank yesterday that said we could see $200 a barrel this year. That’s all well and good but at some point it has to come down or the world will grind to a halt (it’s happening now, even India and China are slowing down) and when it does the Gulf states will be hit hardest.

That’s when the so called shit will hit the fan.

Some of these fantastic projects like MST, Jebel Ali Waterfront, and Dubai Promenade have completion dates with a window of 3-7 years.

BIG gamble to invest here at AED 2k-3k psf. Not only are you paying a price that a developer thinks will be realistic in 3-7 years time, you are also banking on a rising market, rising oil revenues and rising raw materiel costs.

Loosing a nice view will be a minor problem in 5 years time trust, me on that.

To make even more profit they should put retail 360°·all around the base floor of the podium. More profit than just a carpark anyway. Humans live here.

Malec, your supertall would have been perfect. Maybe someone will pick it up one day. I have to say that I actually don't hate the Marina Sky Towers project. Of course, it is a worst nightmare for Torch and Marina Heights owners, and it is too massive for its location, but as far as towers go, they have some appeal and it does mean 3 more supertalls for the tallest block.
^^ This project is actually like adding 6 regular towers since they're also wide. Lots of traffic

Any idea of the total number of units and population increase caused by MST ? Looks like villas on the podium also.

Apart from the monstrosity and total desaster for the Marina caused by MST, who is supposed to live there? Where do all the tenants come from? Remember that upcoming Torch, MAG, Princess, Elite etc. etc. will also offer many thousands of appartments. Not to talk about Park Island, Marina Quays etc. that will be completed within 12 months and that will also offer >1000 appartments. And this is only the Marina!! I.e. When you pass JBR at night most of the appartments are dark...

I can only hope that somebody used his brain (if existing) before planning the Marina and the demand for (expensive!) additional ten thousands of appartments...

if this thing goes ahead, we can knock it as much as we want, but it will be the place to be. Good location, good view, etc. Marina could one day be the most congested square kilometer on earth one day, another world record. I'll just have to book a ticket to new zealand if I want parks.

Apart from the monstrosity and total desaster for the Marina caused by MST, who is supposed to live there? Where do all the tenants come from? Remember that upcoming Torch, MAG, Princess, Elite etc. etc. will also offer many thousands of appartments. Not to talk about Park Island, Marina Quays etc. that will be completed within 12 months and that will also offer >1000 appartments. And this is only the Marina!! I.e. When you pass JBR at night most of the appartments are dark...

I can only hope that somebody used his brain (if existing) before planning the Marina and the demand for (expensive!) additional ten thousands of appartments...

Rich people will probably buy those apartments as an investment or a holiday home and visit it only a few weeks a year.

Here's a thought....

Since this project is owned by DAS Holding, which incidentally is the company involved with the first large-scale oil exports from Das Island - could it be possible that this plot was part of some behind the scenes oil for land deal? :dunno:

By the way, sorry guys I should have done this last week but was away on business..

I have spoken to a number of editors on Construction week and Arabianbusiness.com and they are willing to highlight a potential petition or at least the issues of concern to current West Marina investors re: MST - but I have been specifically asked to get names (can be anonymous if needed) but more importantly contact emails and telephone numbers - to share views..this would be an initial article or coverage and if the petition takes off, a second story on this will be covered in CW and arabianbusiness.com.

Your input/views are needed, if this is to happen - as put forward by Dubai Steve and a few others.

Regards
Naz.

I think that's a good idea. I have a friend who lives in MH who is also trying to rally support with other MH owners. I'll email him and see what progress he has made.

Thanks. More support would be nice, if this is to happen, otherwise we'll give it a miss. :)

instead of specific projects, i think the focus of any news story should be on the overall deterioration of the quality of life in the marina if they go ahead with such projects, i.e. the car park on the beach (seriously, what moron in Dubai municipality would approve something like that), monstrous buildings such as Sky towers and the planned Oasis Hotel, lack of green areas, lack of parking, the high density, among other things. These issues affect everyone in the marina and will resonate better with the powers that be whence published.

Yes, but then it risks developing into a general "moan" about urban life in Dubai..which no one will take seriously and will bore people. It's needs to be a very specific issue - like the petition against the Jumeirah beach developed that the government backed down from, as opposed to a general petition about the state of Dubai's beaches.

They're all valid issues, but to get noticed and be taken seriously in the press, the issue always has to be very specific and preferably related to one aspect - and the reasons why it stands out more than others!

Here's a thought....

Since this project is owned by DAS Holding, which incidentally is the company involved with the first large-scale oil exports from Das Island - could it be possible that this plot was part of some behind the scenes oil for land deal? :dunno:

Interesting, that might indeed be the case!

Any idea of the total number of units and population increase caused by MST ? Looks like villas on the podium also.

There are no studio flats--mostly 1 to 3-bedrooms. One has to wonder how many of the units in upcoming and recent launches are being bought by end users, or even individuals, as oppossed to by speculators buying multiple units. My feeling is that as long as prices remained below AED 1500 psf you could still have a lot of professional people buying. Now that everything has gone above AED 2000 most units will be out of range for salaried employees, even those at high managerial and executive positions. 1500 sft at AED 2000 is AED 3 million. Paid off in 10 years (not adding interest charges) that comes to AED 25,000 per month. When you consider the deposits, stage payments or added interest on mortgages this amount is beyond what even higher paid professionals can afford.

Probably, DAS Holding, being in the petrochemicals business, is building this monstrosity with the deposits of oil investors in mind. With bank interest rates nearing 1% and less enthusiasm for Wall Street stocks, these projects offer an attractive investment opportunity for $130/barrel oil wealth. So, in the end, who will occupy these units? (That's a rhetorical question--enough investment talk :cheers:)

The vision, before it all went pear shaped

http://i26.tinypic.com/dcu2cx.jpg

http://i25.tinypic.com/atwzfc.jpg

Probably, DAS Holding, being in the petrochemicals business, is building this monstrosity with the deposits of oil investors in mind.

Interestingly better homes have started operation in Abu Dhabi at the same time as the MST deal with DAS Holding. I imagine they will also try and sell many units to Abu Dhabi investors.

I was just at the hair dresser in Marina Heights and I heard some interesting stories. The owner of Marina Heights has already reduced prices for his remaining units, he is selling now below market price. For 2 months he is trying to sell his last 2 units that have "Marina views"... Also many other owners seem to have started to look for buyers. Obviously bloody MST has started to have it's impact...

Thanks. More support would be nice, if this is to happen, otherwise we'll give it a miss. :)

hey naz
Count me in i_sabouni@yahoo.ca

Well F**k the papers i have started a direct action group consisting of pakistani, indian and chinese workers. We all intend to stage a sit in starting tonight.

We are going to tie ourselves to the plot. All are welcome, come on down, we are lighting the barbecue at midnight and i have my guitar so we can all sing Cum Bye Are round the fire.The first bus load has just turned up.

http://i30.tinypic.com/o86i3l.jpg

naz, i'm trying to send u a pm but ur inbox is full.

Sorry i know.... i empty the damn thing like i empty my household bin! But still ends up full.

Snd me a mail at naztynaz@hotmail.com.

cheers.

Oldy but a goody, by Brian McMorrow 27th Mar 07
http://i30.tinypic.com/21bvkic.jpg

I suspect that DAS's strategy has been to deliberately shaft and devalue the towers around them which in turn will set MST apart from the rest i.e. No other towers will boast the views we do (we won't even give them the smallest of gaps to look through). All designed to make their apts head and shoulders above the rest, ensuring ease of selling and maximum $ per sq ft (with fuck all thought for the marina in general)

What a bunch of greedy Dastards!!

http://i25.tinypic.com/2eku9af.jpg

^^ Steve would certanly love that :lol:

MST would (if it were approved) likely sell only to money launderers as it is a bad investment, overpriced units and a long completion time during a likely downturn or stagnation in price in 4 years time. Only a money launderer would be interested in Marina Sky Towers unless you are looking for a 10 or 12+ year investment before getting a return.

By the way, a little more background on this setup.

East&West Properties are the developers of MST
East&West Properties are a member of DAS Holding.
DAS Holding is part of United Group Holding.

Well, by the time this project breaks ground, the price of cement will have reached an African country per kilogram - so it'll probably be cancelled and deamed unfeasable. Also, the architect who designed it will hopefully shoot himself live on youtube after waking up and realising what he's done (I can't imagine it's a lady) which will then force the developer to go back to the drawing board, after which lengthy meetings will take place which may eventually conclude that creating a golf resort on the Saudi/UAE border is a lot more feasable.

Now there is a thought... a Crazy golf course on these plots .......

Also, the architect who designed it will hopefully shoot himself live on youtube after waking up and realising what he's done (I can't imagine it's a lady)

A more agonising and fitting alternative might be to make him eat doner kebabs 3 times a day until 2010/11 when my apt on the 54th floor should be ready. He can then bungee jump from my balcony just before we all start hack-sawing the rope...

Jetsetter, Feel free to use my balcony on the 69th...:lol:

Hi Mistermark,

My PM inbox has gone a bit weird.. so


The main purpose of what I proposed was to try and get the current MST project downsized (or cancelled altogether! but we have to be realistic) via a petition, involving the local press.

If you want to be contacted by an editor from Construction Week or Arabianbusiness.com, please supply me with a day time contact tel. or your email address, which will be passed on to the relevant editor.

Thanks for you interest.

Regards
Naz

can it really take ten years for this thing to be completed ?

Probably 5 or 6 years from today. But initial price will be inflated by at least 2 years price increase and then in 3 or 4 years a downturn or stagnation in prices is expected for a few years due to oversupply etc. Therefore it will be at least 10 years before you get any worthwhile return if investing here. If this thing get passed, it would be interesting to see the price difference beteween marina view and no view apartments.

Is it on sale yet?

It's not even been approved, so how would it be on sale? I'm gona start a rumour that its been cancelled.

This morning, I heard from a very reliable source, that Marina Sky Towers has been cancelled - the issue was something to do with Dubai Muncipality permissions and an internal dispute within United Group.

It's a real shame. I was really looking forward to this building. :(

Nevermind. Anyway, I hope what they build here will be just as good, but knowing my luck, they'll probably go ahead and build a bloody park or something on the plot. :ohno:

Bizzy proposed to install a number of SALIK gates around MST. What do you think of that idea?

I have a copy of all floor plans and will post it soon once I get back to the UK.:)

Don't bother. It's been cancelled.

Floorplans are online at http://www.marinaskytowers.ae

Irrelevant really as I heard a rumour that this project has been canned :banana:

I heard yesterday that the project is not going to get approval!

Don't bother. It's been cancelled.

Who? What? Where? Why? How?
Not that I give a damm as long as it is true :banana:

Who? What? Where? Why? How?
Not that I give a damm as long as it is true :banana:

Here ...

... I'm gona start a rumour that its been cancelled...

Confirmed. I just Googled it.

http://i25.tinypic.com/oiyc0y.jpg

Yes I have just heard from two other people that it has been cancelled. Also confirmed via google. Good riddance.

Another possible reason for the cancellation. There already is a Sky Tower.

http://www.travel-culture.com/pakistan/ht/Karachi_skytower.shtml

I got today:


Dear Mr. ......

We have been notified that the Marina Sky Towers project has been cancelled and the project is under complete redesign.

I will keep you informed for any details

Thank you for your patience

Best Regards

Please stop saying it's been cancelled otherwise I will start to believe it :banana:

^^ If you don't have a dream, how can you have a dream come true? :banana:

^^ Yeah, but since when a dream became true just because you dreamed it? :D

Is that for real or just a joke??!! :ohno:

Maybe redesign, but the new towers should be at the same height!!

^^ If you don't have a dream, how can you have a dream come true? :banana:

Are those lyrics from that 80's hit Happy Talky Talky by Captain Sensible??

I'm in Sao Paulo at the moment and I think I'm going bananas :banana:

Btw, the marina has got nothin on this place in terms of density - holy crap.

Im going to protest in a strip joint tonight with alot of alcohol

Is that for real or just a joke??!! :ohno:

Maybe redesign, but the new towers should be at the same height!!

I expect it will be redesigned or cancelled if it has not been already.

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/6702/cosmoszc1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/6702/cosmoszc1.3f9c317e17.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=90&i=cosmoszc1.jpg)

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/8192/ordercq3.jpg (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=20759676&postcount=255)
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/8192/ordercq3.bceddf814f.jpg (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=20759676&postcount=255)

Oh well, its a real shame it was cancelled. I sincerely hope that no investors parted with their cash at this early stage as deposits may be non-refundable.

I've emailed Betterhomes today, saying that i've heard it has been cancelled.. as of yet.. no reply so they haven't exactly denied that its been cancelled - which seems to me that it has been cancelled.

Can someone else try and email them?

Take out the middle tower, eliminate the podium by putting it underground and putting the garages inside the towers' lower levels (the way they do it in Chicago), create green public space by the base, and I'd be content with the project. Good thing it was cancelled though. The bulk will probably not go away (the developers need to make their money), but hopefully it will be massed in ways that respect the neighborhood much more.

Take out the middle tower, eliminate the podium by putting it underground and putting the garages inside the towers' lower levels (the way they do it in Chicago), create green public space by the base, and I'd be content with the project. Good thing it was cancelled though. The bulk will probably not go away (the developers need to make their money), but hopefully it will be massed in ways that respect the neighborhood much more.

IT WAS NOT CANCELLED. That was just a rumour started by someone opposed to the project. It is still proposed.

I love this project. It's just a bit big and a bit ugly and a bit inappropriate for its surroundings and a bit out of place and a bit too big for traffic congestion reasons and a bit too view-blocking for some people and a bit too shove a finger up your arse and see what architectural design comes out..... other than that, I love it.

love this song :D

^^ These towers actually look pretty good. I don't know about the rest of you, but I think they should go ahead and build it.

I agree, they look good.

It's a pity they've cancelled it though.

Another thread turned to shit ...

DAS started it.

^^ Yeah, it rhymes with that. :D

I totally agree with Tractor. DAS Holding have totally f**ked this thread up.

I've emailed Betterhomes today, saying that i've heard it has been cancelled.. as of yet.. no reply

Can someone else try and email them?

I got confirmation that Marina Sky Towers has been cancelled.

Apparantly it will be re-released in 6 to 12 months time with a new slimmer design. Not worth investing in at the moment, best to wait and see if it does go ahead.

Over 12,000 signatures for the petition were signed within a 7 day period, including people from all corners of the world who have invested in Dubai Marina. This petition was forwarded to the relevant authorities, inc. RERA, and I have to only guess that the cancellation of the project was finally forced to go ahead due to this pressure, as well as an unfeasable design and imminent refusal by DM to grant permission for its go ahead.

Damn shame. Coz it would have been good. But nevermind. There's always the BMW X6 to look forward to. I heard its awesome.

Over 12,000 signatures for the petition were signed within a 7 day period, including people from all corners of the world who have invested in Dubai Marina. This petition was forwarded to the relevant authorities, inc. RERA, and I have to only guess that the cancellation of the project was finally forced to go ahead due to this pressure, as well as an unfeasable design and imminent refusal by DM to grant permission for its go ahead.

Damn shame. Coz it would have been good. But nevermind. There's always the BMW X6 to look forward to. I heard its awesome.

Hi Naz

Who confirmed the number of signatures? That's an amazing number of concerned people. Is this petition online?

Where is confirmation that MST has been cancelled?

Regards

^^ lol, it came from Naz's mouth, that should tell you all. :D

you guys are going to piss DAS off, they might even raise the buildings another twenty floors, not to mention wider. Even the podium could be extended into the water like marina mall, with toll gates. Loud speakers facing Torch, over sized sun umbrellas to give even more shade, etc, etc.

Its like beating a guys fist with your face

you guys are going to piss DAS off, they might even raise the buildings another twenty floors, not to mention wider. Even the podium could be extended into the water like marina mall, with toll gates. Loud speakers facing Torch, over sized sun umbrellas to give even more shade, etc, etc.

Its like beating a guys fist with your face

You seriously believe that the developers deliberately try to piss off the public and potential investors?

This looks like the investment opertunity many people have been waiting so long for!

I think its irrelevant to talk about where the rumour came from - the point is there is absolutely no doubt whatsoever that the rumour does exist, 100%.

So, like they say there is no smoke without fire - some sort of cancellation must have happened. I also don't know what is going on - but no one seems to be able to confirm one way or the other. There's no approval yet - and the design and everything else associated with it seem unfeasable. Maybe DAS should just give up now, whilst they're ahead, before they take investors' deposits and then cancel it.

Thats what they said about the torch.

and despite all the MH people moaning it was nev.. [although its not too late]

Lots of marina views, alongside lots of parking, this project will be very popular.

There is enough negative talk about his project, which may indeed be compounding a slight - but generalised - mood swing away from the marina and indeed Dubaii - to the benefit of RAK, Ajman, and Abu Dhabi. Talk of oversupply and prices overheating ought to be enough to scupper this plan in it's present over-ambitious form. If these units will launch at say AED 3,000 p sq ft - what is the liklihood that investors are going to make serious money here. Those other emirates with more modest launch prices for off plan are surely the places to be investing now. Whether cancelled or not at this point - I'm convinced this will never be built.

Yes... I can see it now. Ajman and RAK seeing this project and rubbing their hands with expectancy

Sorry I was busy and have not been following this but I have a copy of all floor plans for this tower, Imre has it also. Not sure what is going on here but I was told today that one of the project team will email me prices soon !!!!

I am no longer Mr Torch and I have given DS/SG enough chances but as soon as I return, I will be talking to a lawyer not just because of the views but also regarding other issues. I have met with some of the nice guys who are managing the construction of the Torch on site today from the contractor side.

@Steve;

Can I have my money in cash please. :bash::bash:

And I found out where exactly that owner of DS/SG (Raheel I think his name is) lives and I might just pay him a visit at home.

mackie, we all have the floorplans, they were downloadable from the website. Be careful about this, do not invest. It is either cancelled or will be cancelled.

MST has not been confirmed yet, in fact this was actually mentioned at Cityscape. It is odd though showing off MST as a development when no approval has been given. What is the point of this ?? Perhaps it's like the motor show where a manufacturer shows off a concept car, never likely to go into production, but just an interesting piece of design. Lets all hope this is the case with MST......bizarre I know, but it is a possibility.

Yes you are correct, it is NOT approved in the current design, this is why some people/agents are saying it is cancelled. The latest I heard they are doing a complete redesign so the initial concept floor plans and prices and not valid.

I think the only people saying it has been cancelled own property behind the monster!

^^ You think?


... oh I get it, you are being courteous. :D

Over 12,000 signatures for the petition were signed within a 7 day period, including people from all corners of the world who have invested in Dubai Marina. This petition was forwarded to the relevant authorities, inc. RERA, and I have to only guess that the cancellation of the project was finally forced to go ahead due to this pressure, as well as an unfeasable design and imminent refusal by DM to grant permission for its go ahead.

Thank you for that info Naz.

even this news give me conclusion of najed tower has been elso cancelled not on hold anymore !

My best friend's hairdresser's gay lover said it's been cancelled too. And he doesn't even know where Dubai is. And he drinks cider. So that should be proof enough to the contrary.

^^:bash:

Thats what they said about the torch.

I understand what you're saying, but there's one key difference between this and the Torch - the Torch doesn't look like a piece of shit.

^^ That was not what MH owners said at the time. :D

^^ But a slight difference this time in scale of the problem for all owners in this district not just the immediate towers behind.

http://i31.tinypic.com/2gvuel3.jpg

The tower would block the view from the Marina on the tallest block in the world.

In Shanghai too tall skyscrapers can`t be build close to river. That way they will have a perfect skyline in Pudong.

http://i29.tinypic.com/2hi419c.jpg

:dizzy:

^^This would be a great pic to superimpose the new towers in front:cheers:, is Dubai Steve i telling the truth ? :ohno:

Message received from Better Homes.

There is still nothing finalised with the project. We will have more information if it is approved at the end of June.


Suggest you all keep the pressure up if you do not want this ridiculous project to go ahead.

BetterHomes said yesterday that the design is still not finalised and there is discussion about the height. I think even if this project goes ahead it will take along time for this project to kick off.

They need to have a discussion about the width of the towers also.

BetterHomes said yesterday that the design is still not finalised and there is discussion about the height. I think even if this project goes ahead it will take along time for this project to kick off.

It's encouraging that someone somewhere (with some kind of clout hopefully) appears to be questioning the design of this montrosity.

Perhaps DAS building 'whatever they like' on this plot is not the case at all :banana:

Rather than chopping and changing things, better to go back to the drawing board and start again. Most do not like it at all as it is, why not make a better design that will excite people into buying here instead of complaining about it.

I think someone should email DAS Holdings to tell them to remove the kebabs from their homepage - as His Highness is repulsed by them and would prefer to see a waterpark built there... :banana:

One residential tower and other 2 are commercial/office towers.

I suspect all that will happen is that the towers are made skinnier to permit sun & broken views for those behind.

Originally it was proposed the other way around - 2 residential and 1 office. Has it been changed? Are they worried about the ability to sell residential in this stupid design now and changed to more office space? :no:

I think it is very unimaginative to stick office towers here. Something like the Brad Pitt hotel and entertainment complex or something of calibre or prestige for the marina would be far better for this prime marina location.

I suspect all that will happen is that the towers are made skinnier to permit sun & broken views for those behind.

This is what is really needed. But they are only discussing the height, maybe in an effort to reduce the podium size.

The emails to Sheikh Mo did not mention about the important issue of light and the width of the towers I think.

Originally it was proposed the other way around - 2 residential and 1 office. Has it been changed? Are they worried about the ability to sell residential in this stupid design now and changed to more office space? :no:

I think it is very unimaginative to stick office towers here. Something like the Brad Pitt hotel and entertainment complex or something of calibre or prestige for the marina would be far better for this prime marina location.

Thes buildings will have some of THE best views of the marina. What a waste if they start to empty out each day at 5pm.

Having said that, 2 x Com and 1 x Res would be a pretty good result for apartment owners nearby in terms of longer term corporate rentals.

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/1572/m2ot1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/1572/m2ot1.6284c1ae8e.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=220&i=m2ot1.jpg)

Great shot.

Look at the way phase one and marina walk areas are terraced back from the waterfront.

Shops/restaurants, villas, then the towers (med rise).

This is what gives the area the peacefull marina living feeling.

MST will put an end to that.

Thes buildings will have some of THE best views of the marina. What a waste if they start to empty out each day at 5pm.

Having said that, 2 x Com and 1 x Res would be a pretty good result for apartment owners nearby in terms of longer term corporate rentals.

This area desperately needs more leasure facilities, cafes, bars, cinema, theatre,

If you consider the additional people that will inhabit this area when the tallest block is complete it must be close to 10,000 residents that arn't there yet !

Torch
Elite residence
Princess
Infinity
Demac heights
Ocean heights
Pentomonium
Mag 218
Marina pinnacle
23 Marina

And the rest of them too............

(thats without the Marinas nemisis MST)

^^ Completly agree with you. There is no way this should be passed, it is not in keeping with the area or the vision.

As Master Planners of the marina, are Emaar still not required to approve every development - irrespective of who owns the plot?

Not if Sheikh Mo says to DAS, build whatever you want.

FWIW here is my reading of the situation. DAS have designed the building. BetterHomes are on standby. They have exhibited the building at the Abu Dhabi show. So why aren't all systems go? Simple they have not got planning permission. Not personally a fan of the design but a possible solution might be to downscale it (ideally to 1/4).

With my investors hat on. if they allow the current design of 2 commercial towers. The traffic will be a mare so the attraction of living close by will high. Rental demands will be immense.

I personally am sceptical about the claim or rumour that DAS can 'build whatever they like' here.

I have seen nothing which substantiates this as a fact.

I imagine DAS/Bitter homs have put together a proposal which is way above what they believe will actually be allowed knowing full well that there will be some kind of negotiation/compromise (scale down). Classic bidding/negotiation tactic.

FWIW here is my reading of the situation. DAS have designed the building. BetterHomes are on standby. They have exhibited the building at the Abu Dhabi show. So why aren't all systems go? Simple they have not got planning permission. Not personally a fan of the design but a possible solution might be to downscale it (ideally to 1/4).

I believe it was not approved and therefore they reduced the height, changed to 2 office towers + 1 residential and reapplied to the land department for permission. Hopefully it will still not be passed and fully cancelled.

It seems unbelievable to me that a developer would desgin a project of this scale. Make a model, exibit the model, fully design the interior spaces, floorplans etc, without first getting whatever outline permissions and approvals to build it.

Not to mention setting up a very slick website to market the development.

Exibiting a model at a show as a concept is one thing, but designing, publishing and launching a fully functioning website and going to the expense of creating individual unit designs and floor plans. Bizare........

What is the logic behined this ?

It seems unbelievable to me that a developer would desgin a project of this scale. Make a model, exibit the model, fully design the interior spaces, floorplans etc, without first getting whatever outline permissions and approvals to build it.

Not to mention setting up a very slick website to market the development.

Exibiting a model at a show as a concept is one thing, but designing, publishing and launching a fully functioning website and going to the expense of creating individual unit designs and floor plans. Bizare........

What is the logic behined this ?

I think the true sequence of events may never be known. Unless an employee in the know leaves bitter homs/DAS, gets pissed and spills the beans. :banana:

Perhaps someone, who did not have sufficient authority, gave DAS a green light to develop whatever they like without regard for the proper decision making channels.

Or someone who did have the authority has seen the error of their ways (or had it pointed out to them).

It's a real shame that in 5 years time shots like this wont be able to be taken as the whole tallest block will be covered by a wall of greed.

Marina Walk will be one dark misserable place to be thats for sure.
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/7889/t1li8ot5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Pic by Anjam.

ISnt the tallest block just an unsightly pile of greed?

I mean, compared to the lovely desert area that was there before MH can hardly be called an improvement.

I totally agree, Marina Sky Towers should be banned thereby giving all Torch owners with Marina facing apartments their well deserved views.

ISnt the tallest block just an unsightly pile of greed?

I mean, compared to the lovely desert area that was there before MH can hardly be called an improvement.

Lovely dessert still covers the vast marjority of the UAE landscape, and much, much more in Saudi Arabia. No need to lament--it's all still here!

It's a real shame that in 5 years time shots like this wont be able to be taken as the whole tallest block will be covered by a wall of greed.

Marina Walk will be one dark misserable place to be thats for sure.
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/7889/t1li8ot5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Pic by Anjam.

^^ If you're that unhappy HT then why don't you sell your torch apartments and reinvest somewhere else?

Clearly you have missed the point.

I am not unhappy with this proposal purely for my own selfish reasons.

I am dissapointed that what was potentially going to be the best part of the marina (IMO),due to having the tallest block, marina arcade, marina walk, phase 1, entrance to the marina etc, will now look terrible due to a massive, oversized and out of proportion development which is designed purely with greed in mind and has a total lack of respect with regard to the surrounding area.

So selling my own investments and buying elsewhere may be an option for me as an individual, but the overall beauty of the area in which i wanted to live is more important to me than a view from a window.

I hope that explains my dis-satisfactin to you clearly.

THe beauty of the area was ruined when they decided to buid the tallest block that close to the marina.

Buildings the size of the torch and MH should not have been that close to phase1. More buildings of that size should have been built around that area.

Once the torch and MH were placed there, i dont see how MST is going to 'ruin this area' as everyone thinks. If anything, it might improve it, adding a nice airconditioned element to the lower end of the marina.

These towers would fit at the arse end of the Marina....

These towers would fit at the arse end of the Marina....

Oh you mean the arse end with the fantastic un interupted marina views do you? Keep it where it is or better still, build it in Liverpool, bring a bit of glam to the arse end of England!:lol:

One thing the arse cheek (Chic) end of the marina has is plenty of blue sky. There is very little at the phase 1 end and soon there will be none :eek:

ELO "Mr Blue sky" will be ringing out in the West :lol:

I don't know if any one has noticed in the latest ariel shots that the second marina has started now opposite The Jewels. The boats are coming soon and when they do the interest in the phase 1 area will diminish rapidly. Front of The Jewels will be landscaped and have a fountain and water feature bigger than Ph 1. This corner is also on the North/South axis so will be shadow free and very open and airey. Just keeps gettin better!

^^ clearly you are not biased :lol:

Even the dung beatle would put together a fantastic 100 words to describe its habitat when it comes to selling its home. :lol:

Would much rather living there than in TT when this monstrosity is built!
TT investors remind me of mushrooms ... kept in the dark and fed shit.

Would much rather living there than in TT when this monstrosity is built!
TT investors remind me of mushrooms ... kept in the dark and fed shit.

Very good Tractor:applause:

If I can give you guys another analagy - mushrooms grow very quickly and the growers then collect on their harvest equally quicklyl. The TT mushroom is presently shooting up quicker than all the other little mushrooms in the garden so it can only be being fuelled by all the high grade shit you guys are feeding it. On that basis fill your f*****g boots chaps!

The PROPOSED project will ruin the intention Emaar had for Marina Walk. However, in case of new price releases, there is talk of prices released at minimum 3500 per sq ft. Hence on an investment point of view MH and TT will hold value but not increase as was expected initially.

Habtoor Tower is built on the edge near the fountain on the other side, I suspect the same will happen on this side, so MH is definately going to bear the brunt of it.

I guess if you are investor, location of MH will always be a major factor and thus rentals will be good. If you are an owner occupier enjoying the views, the next three years is all you may have. It is ironic, there are two people in here who have sent panic into MH to owners but strangely the same two are buying into MH the front units paricularly the A unit (01). One of them sits like a vulture in the restaurant downstairs. They know who they are!

There is an ad for a plot with prime Marina postion for a 30 storey hotel and commerical, for 330 million. Which is that?

Whatever, we must do whatever it takes to save the Marina. If they ruined the Palm, the Marina is a joke....as the architects digest has claimed that Dubai is an architectural MESS! Hence this project conforms it! GREED AND DODGY DEVELOPERS IS ALL THAT MATTERS IN DUBAI THESE DAYS.

Sushila9, where did you see the advert for the plot you mention, did it say any more ??

There is an ad for a plot with prime Marina postion for a 30 storey hotel and commerical, for 330 million. Which is that?

Perhaps DAS selling off the land now due to non approval :banana:

My thoughs exactly Dubai Steve.. Could we be so lucky?? Were all those emails we sent a success...

No, that plot is worth more than treble that amount ...

Select claim to have bought the last plot on the marina for West Avenue.

Only other plot I can think of could be the one in front of Infinity or maybe the old Lighthouse plot?

Select claim to have bought the last plot on the marina for West Avenue.

Only other plot I can think of could be the one in front of Infinity or maybe the old Lighthouse plot?

It’s a very prime plot next to the Marina Mall.
You’ll find more next week.

i caalled up the sales agents for marina sky towers and they said that launch and sales will be in september as that marina sky towers will go ahead and permission has been given!

i caalled up the sales agents for marina sky towers and they said that launch and sales will be in september as that marina sky towers will go ahead and permission has been given!


They figure that prices will be higher in September

i caalled up the sales agents for marina sky towers and they said that launch and sales will be in september as that marina sky towers will go ahead and permission has been given!

:ohno:

Are these the same people that said launch was in May? :dunno:

^^ these were he people at the exhibition stand at cityscape

Did they change the design to 2 office towers and reduce the height ?

^^ i have no idea they said to me at the stand the launch and sales will be in june. i contacted them today and they said to me september and they also said the towers has not been cancelled? Where did this rumour come from that its been cancelled? probably ds crap made up?

Why would DS make it up? All they've got to do is weather a brief storm from the investors on one side of TT. Otherwise, - TT will make a very attractive and lucrative dormitory for the workers in those 2 office towers to live in. From a renting point of view - for all those who don't plan to live in their apartments - bring it on! For anyone who plans to live in this end of the marina and thought it might be a nice place - it's a disaster of course.

Obviously Sheikh Mo doesn't give a f***.

Where did this rumour come from that its been cancelled? probably ds crap made up?

:lol::lol::rofl::lol::lol:

Naz you crack me up

They figure that prices will be higher in September

Exactly!

i caalled up the sales agents for marina sky towers and they said that launch and sales will be in september as that marina sky towers will go ahead and permission has been given!

I spoke to the sales agent also a couple of days ago they said the final design of the towers has not yet been finalised.

Assuming that they are waiting until Sept before launching due to being able sell for higher prices then, does that not suggest that now is a good time to buy apts in other developments with guaranteed direct marina views.

Would MST prices then cause an upward correction for all apartments with similar views? (not to the same level as MST prices but some kind of increase nonetheless)

Most of the units will probably be offices not apartments.

On their website it says that the development is close to a supermarket at Marina Walk. :lol: I assume they refer to the tiny spinney's and are too damn mean to add any shops or facilities in the massive podium themselves :bash:

^^ Now that's just pathetic. :lol:

The delay is all down to a technological break through involving the Torch apartments.

They are planning to set up cameras pointing into the marina and over to the palm and up to the Burj Al Arab. Torch owners then hang white satin curtains over their windows to obscure the real views and they use an internet link to MST control centre which back projects the video image onto the white screen. This way DS live upto their promise of the best views of the marina itself, and out towards the sea and the Palm Jumeirah etc and MST don't get any more flack from His Highness for getting his in box jammed with objections to this project.

Gonna be a worlds first. They are even considering extending the projector project to Time Place by projecting a holographic image of a sundial.

I'm beside myself :) again.

:lol: Maybe they can do something similar to hide the power plant in the arse cheek end.

That job is being left to The Zen, DEC towers, Eden Blue, KG tower and possibly the new Select project if that is where it is going.

Better to be looking at other 20 floorers from a 20 floorer on the other side of the water than looking at a 100 floorer which is 20meters away from your 80 floorer. If you follow all that.

Good ole arse cheek end :D

The plot next to the Le Meridian Hotel where the yachts are currently is SOLD. So good bye to that space too!

Also people in Princess Tower, Emirates Marina, Le Reve etc...all have now have a highway in front! So u may have a sea view but awful mess in front.

What I am trying to say is that, basically they have FU..... the Marina from every angle. They do not care! Dubai is all about money and greed. They are digging their own grave in the long term as gradually people will start leaving. Keep a look out for an article in the Times and also in the Time Magazine (Int Edition) that basically points out these same issues.

I am confused which plot that is. Does that mean the Torch will also loose its sea view through the gap in the road ?

^^ As far as I know teleportation isn't developed yet.

I am confused which plot that is. Does that mean the Torch will also loose its sea view through the gap in the road ?

Are the plots that BH map has marked as hotels.

Clearly you have missed the point.

I am not unhappy with this proposal purely for my own selfish reasons.

I am dissapointed that what was potentially going to be the best part of the marina (IMO),due to having the tallest block, marina arcade, marina walk, phase 1, entrance to the marina etc, will now look terrible due to a massive, oversized and out of proportion development which is designed purely with greed in mind and has a total lack of respect with regard to the surrounding area.

So selling my own investments and buying elsewhere may be an option for me as an individual, but the overall beauty of the area in which i wanted to live is more important to me than a view from a window.

I hope that explains my dis-satisfactin to you clearly.

Dear HT,

Clearly I touched a nerve!

Talking about greed - didn't you buy 2x 3 bedroom apartments in the torch?

If you as an investor were not greedy, then the developers would probably not design such high density developments. Think deeply about what I am saying here before you dive off the deep end.

Face it, everyone wants to make money from their investments and the MST developers are no different.

The stakes are very high in Dubai and especially in Dubai Marina - It is only your opinion that says MST will look crap. I hope a re-design is on the cards, but I don't think anything they do will save 'your' marina views from TT.

You are clearly very naive if you thought that the old Emaar sales centre was going to become a park. Did you also believe the artist impression of TT from DS/SP showing TT at the waters edge?

Regards,

FWIW

It seems clear they don't care about the marina. Smussuw refers to it as a 'social ghetto' for us evil expats ... 'cos obviously we all salute the US flag before bed and burn a Koran in the morning.

We'll wake up one day and realise it was all part of a masterplan to create a huge wall built around 'New Dubai'. You've read it here first ... "Dubai constructs largest man-made wall, longer and taller than the Great Wall of China"!!

err ... hm ... err ... right.

Is it the summer heat or something. You should have seen Canary Warf when it was newly built. Looked a mess, lots of negativity and bankruptcies. Now it's a thriving urban jungle. Things don't always turn out as you expect.