The realm of urban planning in the vibrant city of Marrakech has entered a transformative phase following the issuance of Decree No. 2.26.155, which approves the design and regulations pertaining to the development of the "Western Marrakech" and "Southern Palm" sectors. This decree, recently published in the official gazette, declares the project a matter of public interest, marking a significant shift in the city’s urban landscape.
This comprehensive design encompasses a vast urban area within the red city, nearly covering half of its total land area. Specifically, it includes the western region of the "Gueliz" area and the entirety of the "Menara" district, extending southward to incorporate the "Southern Palm" locale. The primary objective of this initiative is to tackle the complexities associated with densely populated urban areas that have persisted for years.
Under the new urban plan, all land allocations have been firmly established, with designated zones for buildings clearly defined alongside areas for green spaces and villas. Furthermore, the plan outlines the directions for the city's future expansion, as reported by sources within the city council. The project is projected to cover approximately 9,000 hectares of land and aims to address around 150 informal housing clusters by entering into partnership agreements with the urban planning company and the ministry responsible for housing and urban policy.
The newly introduced design for the "Western Marrakech" and "Southern Palm" sectors features eight urban project zones that will be accessible to investors. These zones are intended for the development of integrated projects, including tourism initiatives and commercial centers, subject to review by a committee led by the regional governor before any licensing procedures can commence. The preparation of the aforementioned design has been crucial, as it concerns a significant area within the municipality of Marrakech and aims to offer solutions to pressing issues such as accessibility, road infrastructure, and the lack of green spaces, thereby fostering a new economic dynamism.
Through this design, urban regulations in certain areas have been reassessed, allowing for an increase in the number of permissible floors from three to five in comparison to the previous plan. Additionally, areas previously allocated for villas are now being converted into apartment buildings to revitalize the economy, utilizing ground floors for commercial activities. This strategic shift is expected to further elevate the economic potential of the region.
Moreover, the publication of the decree approving the sectoral development plan in the official gazette lends it considerable authority, empowering the municipal assets department to initiate expropriation procedures and clear specific properties for the establishment of defined roadways. The plan also takes into account the needs of investors by granting them access to urban documents (Note de renseignements) that outline the characteristics of the area designated for investment. This facilitates their feasibility studies for prospective projects, ensuring their profitability.
In light of this development, the Marrakech municipality has asserted that the sectoral development plan represents a comprehensive vision for the city's expansion. It delineates the nature of housing, the construction of roads and pathways, and the distribution of public facilities, including schools, hospitals, and green spaces.
As reported by hespress.com.
