Oman's property developer Tasmim said works on its new community living project Habitat, located at the heart of capital Muscat, was progressing well and on track for completion within the first quarter of 2022. A vibrant, 75,000-sq-m mixed-use development, Habitat is the result of a forward-thinking joint-venture partnership between Omani conglomerate Shanfari Group of Companies and European architecture company Mandressi created to transform Al Khuwair's Plot 190 into a world-class destination. On completion, Habitat is poised to become a commercial success and premium destination to live, work, shop or simply hang-out at, said the developer Tasmim. Being in close proximity to important landmarks in the city and barely 20 minutes from Muscat International Airport; Habitat is set to become an important lifestyle destination in the sultanate by offering an unparalleled integrated community living experience with 44 retail spaces, 118 luxury offices, 44 apartments and duplexes, and 1 panoramic restaurant, it stated. Strategically located in the key residential and commercial growth corridor of Al Khuwair, the landmark will comprise premium quality apartments, offices and a shopping mall developed in a distinct but connected manner on the site's unique topography, to drive both aesthetic and emotional appeal for the community. A majority of Habitat's one-to-four-bedroom apartments and duplexes (97 to 322 square metres) will overlook picturesque mountains or sea; and will have generous rooms with premium fittings. The ultra-modern apartments will feature the finest amenities, which include a fully-equipped kitchen and bathroom, private terrace, all fitted with high-quality materials. For business purposes, Habitat will offer flexible office-spaces (58 to 295 square metres) for any type of company; and will come with the latest technology, an efficient work-space design, fibre-optic connections, dedicated parking spaces and valet parking, said the developer. The project's design, improved air quality, and naturally lit office space will boost productivity it added. Bringing to the area of Al Khuwair great potential for retail, shopping and entertainment concepts, Habitat's Shopping Mall will be spread over three floors and will serve as the perfect place to be for the young and young at heart. Having over 19,000 square metres of dedicated indoor and outdoor retail spaces, it will be the ideal location for gyms, day-care facilities, coffee-shops and supermarkets that are planning to make a foray into Al Khuwair. "Habitat is a result of a vision that was born to bring in an unrivalled living, working and entertainment destination to the heart of the city," said Alessandro Daverio, CEO from Tasmim. "Now, we are on the cusp of untapping the potential of a site that had a stand-alone office building, into one of the largest living, working, retail and entertainment projects in the sultanate. This development will not only serve as an economic engine, but will also create a one-of-a-kind, mixed-use community living destination for present and future generations to enjoy," stated Daverio. “Habitat's 75,000 sq m development will make way for several ambitious and transformative opportunities in the time to come,” he noted. “The Retail District as well as our other commercial offerings have been designed to cater to visionary brands and companies who demand a globally competitive store or work place; with an innovative design and outstanding amenities to attract and retain customers and a talented workforce, respectively,” he added. Habitat's masterplan brings together several progressive and innovative ideas. The vibrant mix of residences, offices, and a shopping mall; bound together by a coherent open space, allowed the design team to create an ambitious project that pioneers several design initiatives to promote wellbeing. The design also looks to utilise Shanfari Group of Company's products, in consideration of the ambition to create a model of urbanism, said the developer. Jan-Willem Krijgsman, the project development manager at Tasmim, said: “We are creating a new paradigm for how people and companies will work, as well as live and enjoy time with family and friends. Through Habitat, it is our aspiration to push the boundaries of design and construction and introduce a model of urbanism, centered on people.” “As one of the first true mixed-use community living developments of scale to come to Al Khuwair, Habitat will bring next generation offices, residences and a Shopping destination together with beautifully landscaped open spaces, world-class dining, shopping and entertainment offerings,” he added. Source: Trade Arabia
