GAM launches second phase of Master Plan
Jordan Times
By Khalid Neimat
AMMAN — The Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) on Monday announced the second
phase of its Master Plan, termed the “Corridor Intensification Strategy.”
The Master Plan provides clear direction for the sustainable development of
the capital over the next 20 years, in accordance with new planning legislation.
The strategy focuses on intensifying construction in designated areas of the
city to meet an expected surge in the city’s population by 2025.
In February, GAM announced the first phase of the plan in which high rise
developments were earmarked for Abdali, Abdoun, Jbeiha and the airport road.
Under the second phase, developments will take place along the capital’s
major corridors in a manner that respects the character of the city, Amman Mayor
Omar Maani said.
“We can’t afford to continue our current development trend because it will
lead to unprecedented urban sprawl that will exacerbate our transportation
problems and eat up some of Jordan’s most productive agricultural land,” he added.
According to the mayor, Amman’s population will grow from the current 2.2
million to 6.4 million by 2025.
The “Corridor Intensification Strategy” will encourage a variety of densely
populated areas within strict guidelines to ensure adequate transportation,
urban design and other considerations, such as creating a pedestrian and
green city, he said.
The strategy will also transform the character of some of the capital’s
major corridors into streets that will “define” the city, Maani said, adding that
Zahran will become the capital’s “signature street.”
The height of buildings in such streets will be restricted to four stories,
with special programmes to conserve the most prominent old buildings, he added.
The segment of Zahran between the sixth and eighth circles will be
transformed into a “green boulevard” lined with residential, commercial and retail
developments. Much of the land along this corridor is currently vacant or
underutilised.
“The vision we have for Zahran between the sixth and eighth circle requires
a partnership between GAM and land owners to realise the full potential of
this important street,” Maani said.
“We will provide incentives to the economic community on the street, through
increased zoning density… we will also provide the urban design expertise to
ensure this corridor develops in an integrated way,” he added.
An important component of the “Corridor Intensification Strategy” will be
the upgrading of the capital’s transportation system.
“It is a cornerstone of the Amman Master Plan in that the sustainable growth
of capital cannot be accomplished without a modern transit system,” Maani said,
adding this is currently the responsibility of the government that GAM is
hoping to play a role in.
GAM has introduced a policy to encourage mixed-use residential development
along the corridors to reduce traffic congestion, he said.
“The concept of mixed-use is not new to Amman. It’s what makes the old parts
of the city so special. In many ways the wonderful street life of old Amman is
what gives the city our soul.”