Preliminary work is now under way on Dubai’s first-of-its-kind smartly designed, stylish, green neighbourhood with the contractors having commenced grading works and first phase deep services at Town Square, which is being developed by Nshama, a private developer of integrated lifestyle communities.

The developer launched work on the grading works for the entire 31-million-sq-ft (750 acres) development with the award of a Dh22-million ($6 million) earthworks contract to Al Naboodah Contracting. This followed the appointment of Binladin Contracting Group to carry out the first phase deep services contract for its residential communities on the development.

The scope of the earthworks deal covers the areas including Zahra and Hayat Townhouses and Zahra Apartments that were recently launched to strong investor response from end-user home-owners.

Rashed Ahmed Saeed Al Naboodah, managing director of Al Naboodah Contracting, says: “Town Square is a trendy development that spans an impressive 750 acres of land in the heart of Dubai. We have demonstrated competencies in undertaking such mega-projects and have a strong team of professionals and skilled workers on-site. The earthworks contract is progressing seamlessly and we are committed to complete the work to agreed timelines.”

Town Square, New Dubai near Al Barsha, is a vibrant development anchored by a central square – the size of 16 football fields – and featuring a range of lifestyle choices including Vida Town Square Dubai hotel and a Reel Cinemas cineplex and open-air cinema. It will feature more than 3,000 townhouses and over 18,000 apartments as well as substantial retail, hospitality and commercial space.

Meanwhile, the deep service contract, to be executed in 180 days, covers excavation and backfilling for the district cooling piping network, stormwater drainage and main sewers, across the Zahra and Hayat Townhouse communities.

Medhat Ammari, manager of technical affairs of Binladin Contracting Group, says: “We have a strong history of undertaking large-scale projects and executing them as per clear timeframes. Town Square by Nshama is an exceptional project that focuses on providing maximised value for customers and we have commenced work on the first deep services contract to complete the work within the agreed time schedule.”

Fred Durie, the CEO of Nshama, says: “We are making steady progress on Town Square as part of our commitment to our customers. Nshama works with industry leaders such as Al Naboodah Contracting Company, in undertaking Town Square’s project development, who bring top-notch expertise as well as valuable cost optimisation.

“This enables us to develop our thoughtfully designed residences at price points that are within reach of customers and support them in shifting from a rental model to an own-home lifestyle. The extensive experience of Nshama’s team in mega-project development is a great asset in streamlining the various aspects to ensure that we deliver value to our customers.”

“We are committed to delivering the projects as per schedule, highlighted also by the contract awarded for undertaking deep services. Nshama is drawing on its expertise in project management in developing Town Square to high quality standards and by working with experienced contractors and consultants.”

Town Square is located in close proximity to Arabian Ranches Golf Course, Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club and Al Maktoum International Airport, near the site for the World Expo 2020. It has a high land-to-building ratio, with more open spaces for a greener community.

In addition to a 2.5-million-sq-ft retail precinct featuring over 600 stores and food and beverage (F&B) outlets, Town Square also offers day-care facilities, playgrounds, play zones for all ages, swimming pools, fitness centre, athletic spa, interactive water features, skate parks, playgrounds, adventure zones, modern medical facilities and splash parks.

Nshama recently launched the Zahra and Hayat Townhouses and Zahra Apartments, with the Zahra Apartments starting at a price tag of Dh349,988 ($95,286), and Zahra and Hayat Townhouses offered at a price point, starting at Dh999,988 ($272,253) for three-bedroom homes.

With its focus on offering distinct value propositions for aspiring home-owners, Nshama aims to create elegantly master-planned neighbourhoods that are smart, interconnected, networked, tech-driven and sustainable.