Residents of Abu Dhabi will enjoy easy access to high-quality community facilities and services in the coming few years under new standards unveiled on Sunday by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC).
The new Abu Dhabi Community Facility Planning Standards (CFPS) sets out the specific social, educational, cultural, recreational and healthcare facilities that must be provided in new and existing communities across the emirate. Depending on the size, demographics and needs of the community, these might include police stations, sports centres, schools and hospitals, among others, according to a report in Khaleej Times.
“The document provides policies and guidance for government agencies; developers and planners as to trequired number; and type and location of community facilities in project proposals. For instance, it stipulates that a community with between 6,000 and 10,000 residents must have access to a ‘Neighbourhood Centre’ consisting of a community centre, a police point, an early-learning centre and a small health clinic.
“A ‘District Centre’ comprising a post office, a large health clinic, a library, a sports centre, municipal offices and a community support centre must be provided for larger developments of 30,000 to 40,000 residents. The document states that a ‘Sub-Regional Centre’ must be provided for every 80,000 residents. This would contain a community support centre, a cultural centre and a multi-purpose hall, in addition to all the amenities found in a Neighbourhood Centre and a District Centre,” the report added.
Amer Al Hammadi, Executive Director, Planning and Infrastructure Sector, UPC, told Khaleej Times: “The launch of our Abu Dhabi Community Facility Planning Standards is another important milestone for the UPC and for the future development of the emirate in line with Vision 2030.
“The Government recognises that successful, healthy and sustainable communities are well served by a full range of community facilities that are appropriate to residents’ needs and which are accessible to all. The standards set out how this will be achieved.
“The CFPS will ensure that community facilities are considered right from the start of the planning process so that everyone in Abu Dhabi has equal access to community facilities, which is a clear direction from our leadership. This direction has resulted in a truly collaborative process with all stakeholders involved.”