Developments in Islamabad

In recent years Islamabad has seen large-scale development and infrastructure projects. The most prominent one is The Centaurus, which is a complex of four towers; it includes a seven-star hotel, a residential tower, office and shopping Mall towers, upon completion the hotel will be the fourth seven-star hotel in the world. Other notable development projects include the New Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad Mass transit, which is currently in planning stages, Grand Hyatt Islamabad, and Intercontinental Islamabad.

Islamabad International Airport

Main article: New Islamabad International Airport

The Islamabad International Airport is being built in the capital city of Islamabad. This airport will replace the existing one located in Rawalpindi. This new airport will be located in Fateh Jang, which is 30 km south-west of the city. Construction of the airport began in April 2007, after a decade-long postponement. It is expected to be completed and operational in approximately four years. President Musharraf has laid the foundation stone of the project on April 7, 2007. This airport is the largest and most modern airport in Pakistan. Its total area is 3700 acres (15 km²). It will be completed within four years. It will be completed in two phases. Work on first phase has been commenced and will be completed in one year. The airport is expected to be fully operational in 2011 or 2012.

Jinnah-Faisal avenue interchange

Jinnah-Faisal Avenue Interchange is a combined development of flyovers, underpasses and roads. The interchange was opened in March 2009. The interchange is located close to The Cantaurus, a seven-star hotel which is currently under construction. The underpass of this interchange was opened in October 2008. The Interchange was built on the Faisal Avenue at the point where it bisects the Jinnah Avenue. The road runs from Zero Point up to the Faisal Mosque and is among the busiest ones in town.

Zero Point Interchange

The Zero point interchange is the cluster of flyovers and roads being built adjacent to Zero point on one side and Islamabad Highway on the other side.It is built by Maqbool Associates (MA) at a cost of Pak.Rs 2.33 billion.The construction work was started in 2007, and it is expected to be completed in December 2010. The zero point interchange will be constructed in two phases, Phase 1 will includes the three major loops of the interchange, while in Phase 2, two more loops which will connect Suhrawardy Road and Shakarparian would be constructed.

Canyon Views

Canyon views was launched on 31 May 2006, spanning over an area of 1,500 acres (6 km³); the project will cost around USD 2.4 billion. It will be located in DHA phase II. The Canyon views upon completion will include swimming pools, gymnasium, sports amenities, running track, tennis court, open spaces for picnics and barbecues, retail outlets, restaurants, schools, and a mosque. The views will include 50 communities in it, and when fully completed it will have homes for 9,000 families. The project is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in next from years.

Forestry Park

The Forestry Park will be developed on 350 acres (1.4 km²) of land and it will be located near Rawal Lake, between the Malpur village and Bhara Kahu it will cost Rs 239.01 million.Around 150,000 indigenous trees would be planted in the park.The work on the Forestry park is expected to commence soon.The Park was announced on 22 July 2009.

Islamabad mass transit

The president of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari has launched The Twin cities mass transit (Islamabad and Rawalpindi). Tha transit is named as Benazir Mass Transit.

Islamabad Zoo

Main article: Islamabad Zoo

The capital development authority is planning to develop the existing Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad The current proposal will extend the existing Marghazar Zoo over an area of 82 acres (330,000 m²) and will exhibit a number of animal, almost more than 200 species at the existing site.The development of Zoo will be in conformity with then International Standards and practices.

Grand Hyatt

Main article: Grand Hyatt Islamabad

The Grand Hyatt is a 5-star hotel under construction in the southern end of the Constitution Avenue on a 13.5 acre (55,000 m2) site (6.75 hectares)^[1] and is served by two major highways (Sharah-e-Kashmir to the north and Murree Highway to the south). However its construction has been put on hold indefinitely.^[2] This development consists of a 45-story hotel and serviced apartments tower along with two smaller 20-storied residential and office towers.^[1] The smaller towers are linked together by means of a bridge at the 20th floor, aligned with the axis of the Constitution Avenue. Other features include retail and food courts, banquet and parking.

The Centaurus

Main article: The Centaurus

The Centaurus is a mixed-use development project currently under construction in Blue Area of Islamabad. The complex is designed by WS Atkins PLC, whose portfolio includes the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai, and the Bahrain World Trade Center in Bahrain. It is a project of the Pak Gulf Construction (Pvt) Ltd (PGCL) in Islamabad. Besides serving residential, commercial, and business purposes, the complex is intended to symbolise the growth of Pakistan, and to enable it to host international conferences and seminars in Pakistan's capital city. The entire development will cost USD 350 million. The complex is planned to have a 37-story, 7 star deluxe hotel, with two 21-story residential towers, a 25-story corporate office tower, and a 5-story shopping mall. The complex will have a parking lot to accommodate over 2,000 vehicles. It is designed to withstand up to 9.5 magnitude earthquakes and is scheduled to be completed in December 2010.

InterContinental hotel

Intercontinental Islamabad is a luxery 5-star hotel under construction in Diplomatic Enclave, The hotel upon completion will include 260 rooms, three restaurants including Italian and Chinese cuisine restaurants, Spa, gym and an outdoor pool. The Hotel will be operated by InterContinental Hotels and Resorts.

Telecom Tower

Main article: Telecom Tower Islamabad

Telecom Tower Islamabad is a 113-meter-high office building under construction as of 2009^[update] in Islamabad, Pakistan.^[3] The building, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2010, is located in the Blue Area of Islamabad.^[4] It is being built by Pakistan Telecommunication Trust.^[5] The building will consist of 24 floors plus four basement levels^[3] and will include a parking facility for 400 cars.^[5]

Islamabad Stock Exchange Towers

Main article: Islamabad Stock Exchange Towers

The ISE Towers are a recently completed office building in Islamabad, currently enjoying the status of being its tallest structure.

Other Developments

• DHA Valley
• Daman-E-Koh Viewpoint.
• Restaurant at Pir Sohawa.
• Development of Mazaar of Hazrat Bari Imam (RA) Islamabad.
• Development of F-9 Park.
• Development of Arts & Crafts Village.
• Development of Promenade at Rawal Lake.
• Development of Saidpur Tourist Village.
• Construction of Judicial & Administration Complex.
• Renovation of Food Street at Melody Market.
• Food Mall at Blue Area.

Source:Islamabad Projects

See also

• List of tourist attractions in Islamabad

References

1. ^ ^{a b} http://www.oneconstitutionave.com/
2. ^ http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=481137
3. ^ ^{a b} http://www.nespak.com.pk/news/newsdetail.asp?id=1446
4. ^ http://www.ptet.com.pk/tower.php
5. ^ ^{a b} http://callcenterinfo.tmcnet.com/news/2009/06/30/4252404.htm

External links

• Ameinfo.com
• Skyscrapercity.com
• Dailytimes.com.pk
• DawnNews.com
• Sweethome.overseaspakistanis.net
• IPDF.gov.pk
• Pakobserver.net
• Ichotelsgroup.com
• Thefreelibrary.com
• DawnNews.com