Going commercial: Plots in I-12 Markaz to be auctioned

The CDA has carved 52 plots for auction in the new sector’s main commercial area.

ISLAMABAD:

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has planned open auctioning of more commercial plots, with the 52 recently demarcated plots in I-12 Markaz now up for grabs.

The Planning Wing of the authority has demarcated the 52 commercial plots in Sector I-12’s main commercial area following approval from the CDA Board. All plots are 1,069 square yards in size.

The decision was taken during a meeting held at CDA headquarters to review progress on planning and design of commercial plots in Sector I-12.

Presiding over the meeting, CDA Chairman Tahir Shahbaz said that due to its strategic location — referring to its proximity to Rawalpindi and the established sectors of Islamabad — Sector I-12  was attractive for the business community and was generating special interest as a potential commercial hub for the twin cities.

Shahbaz said the CDA would be offering commercial plots for the construction of hotels, motels, shops, wedding halls and restaurants in Sector I-12 during upcoming the auction.

The authority plans to establish a state-of-the-art commercial area in Sector I-12 for the promotion of trade and economic activities.

“Sector I-12 will be treated as a gateway to the twin cities. All-out efforts will be made to establish the sector as a business hub,” Shahbaz said.



He also directed Planning and Design Member Mustafain Kazmi to plan the sector’s infrastructure in line with modern techniques and ensure coordinated development work after consulting all concerned formations of the authority.

Kazmi informed the meeting that the design theme for I-12 Markaz would be “Twin-City Saddar Market”, while all four provinces of Pakistan had been represented in the design, with an additional fifth block — Kashmir Mall — representing Gilgit-Baltistan.

The board member for planning further said that all proposed blocks would be interconnected in a way to facilitate pedestrians without any hassle. He said two of the 52 plots had been planned for hotels.

He said civic amenities including drinking water, playground, hospital, sewerage treatment plant, restroom, an emergency management centre, a police station, and other allied facilities would be provided in the proposed market.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 1^st, 2013.