The construction and foundation works have started on the Dh1-billion ($272 million) second stage of the Dubai Design District (d3) being developed by Tecom Group free zone in Dubai, UAE.

A new freezone business park, d3 is being built in three phases which will feature a mix of residential, hospitality, retail and office space.

Phase One, which was completed in 2015, boasts 1.2 million sq ft of offices, studios, ateliers, showrooms, and over 200,000 sq ft of retail space.

In the second phase, a creative community which will house a range of design industry workshops, studios and showrooms, will be built. This phase is due for completion in 2017.

Located close to Mohammed Bin Rashid City and adjacent to Dubai’s Business Bay, d3 will include a 1.8-km waterfront development which will be populated with food and beverage outlets, hotels, retail outlets and a multi-use outdoor space.

The third phase of the development will focus on d3's 2-km-long creekside promenade which will feature hotels, international and regional food and beverage offerings with a wide selection of hospitality and leisure facilities.

This phase is due for completion in 2018.

“We are happy to announce that we have started construction and foundation works for the second phase of the d3 project, which will include a specialised creative community designed and executed by Foster and Partners," stated Dr Amina Al Rustamani, the chief executive of Tecom Group.

"The d3’s top objective has always been to provide a platform for the talent of the region to shine on the international stage. We already see strong traction across all segments, for example with Aljoud Lootah’s pieces being acquired in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne and Nathalie Trad recently showcasing her collection to editors and buyers during Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks, including Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief, US Vogue," she stated.
 
According to her, the community extends over 1 million sq ft and involves an investment of Dh1 billion ($272 million).

"Spaces will be provided for designers to execute light works, as well as a gallery and retail space. It will have special importance as a flourishing cultural centre for upcoming designers and artists, and will attract visitors and tourists to the region," she added.  

In six months, the district will launch studios dedicated to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and a workshop for start-ups, said the company in a statement.

The existing occupancy levels in the zone rose to 85 per cent at the end of last month, with 40 per cent of the companies originating from the UAE and 60 per cent internationally.

Over 160 design companies are currently operational in the zone including 4,500 creative individuals, a number expected to increase to 10,000 during the first stage of the project, it added.-TradeArabia News Service