Al Helio Downtown launched in Ajman

Al Helio downtown, a Dh4 billion mini-city project in Ajman, co-owned by D'SECO and Property House (PH) was launched on Thursday. The development is spread over 115 acres and comprises 32 residential and commercial plots, and will be completed in 2013, according to company officials. D'SECO, the main developer, is funding 70 per cent of the investment, and PH is covering the remainder.

The project is being launched in phases. As of now, six plots have been launched - three commercial and three residential, officials said.

Great Properties, the UAE-based real estate sales and marketing agency, has the exclusive rights to sell the plots.

Mohammad Mirza, sales director of the agency, said, "The plots will be handed over in three to six months and then the construction will begin. Work on levelling the land has already started."

Forty per cent of the area is dedicated to gardens and lakes, while 60 per cent will be built, of which 13-15 per cent will contain the commercial towers.

The focus of the project is the residential aspect, which will house about 20,000 residents, officials said. Comprising 65 freehold plots - commercial, residential and mixed use, nearly all with garden and lake views - that range from 17 to 45 storeys in height, Al Helio Downtown is located close to Emirates Road on Al Helio Road opposite Safa Park.

Self-sustainable

The project will have a five-star hotel, school, nursery, gardens, health care facilities and mosque, as well as retail space.

"This is the first fully self-sustainable project across the region," said Sujil Bose, head of marketing, PH, adding that the unique aspect of the project is the wide spacing between the towers of 40 metres.

Mirza said the price starts from Dhs85 per square foot and can be paid on a payment plan of three years.

When asked about the electricity and water issues faced by other developers, Mirza said, "By the end of 2010, there will be sufficient electricity and water in Ajman. There won't be any difficulty as the government is seriously working on it."

As the government of Ajman is involved in major real estate projects, Mirza said, "I don't see any reason that within two to three years Ajman will not have its own power grid station." Bose said the company is aiming to launch 12 projects in the next 18 months, 90 per cent of which will be in Dubai.