The masterplan for a new 680 hectare waterfront community of up to 55,000 inhabitants on Yas Island, led by global design practice Broadway Malyan for client Aldar, has been approved by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council.

Approval of the masterplan, which won top real estate firm Aldar the ‘best urban design and masterplanning project’ category at the Abu Dhabi Cityscape Awards 2011, will result in the creation of a series of distinct communities which will become the main residential areas on Yas Island.

The project is the latest stage in the continued development of Yas Island, Abu Dhabi's leading leisure and entertainment district, which features the F1 motor racing circuit, signature hotels, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park, as well as the under-construction water-park and Abu Dhabi destination retail development.

Practice director James Rayner said: “The approval of the masterplan is a major milestone in the creation of this major new residential area, with the success testament to close partnering with the client and the world-class skills, expertise and experience of our diverse team of global masterplanning experts.”

The masterplan will see the communities linked by a comprehensive open space, road, light rapid transport, pedestrian and cycle network to other notable destinations on the island, with good ‘walkability’ a key factor in the design.

It will result in the delivery of ‘complete’ communities, supported by a full range of community facilities including schools, health clinics, extensive sports and recreation facilities, as well as convenience retail and commercial components. – TradeArabia News Service