The first phase of the Dh4 billion ($1.08 billion) fashion hub Dubai Design District (d3), which includes 10 buildings, is likely to be completed by January 2015, said a top official.

“These buildings are well-advanced, progressing well,” Amina Al Rustamani, group CEO of Tecom Investments, was quoted as saying by Gulf News.

“In terms of hard infrastructure, during the early part of 2014 we will deliver our first milestone, which will provide an experiential reference for the overall vision of Dubai Design District,” she said.

“The main thrust of the project-related work in 2014 will be completing the 10 buildings that make up the “core” of d3,” she was quoted in the report.

Construction work on phase two of Dubai Design District is likely to start in 2015, said the developer of the fashion centre, adding that the design and planning of has already underway.

Tecom has started accepting space bookings for various types of use including creative offices, ateliers and workshops, Al Rustamani said.

“We have already begun licensing companies and they will operate from one of Tecom’s other free zone business parks until the d3 site is ready for move-in,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Dubai Design and Fashion Council will be in operation by the end of the first quarter of 2014, she was quoted as saying the report.