 A-
Treelined Sea-Side Promenade B-Seaside Park
1-Public & Religious Buildings.
2 -Preseved historic core of the City
3- Financial District mixed use of offices, recreational & shopping facilities
4-Traditional old souks area
5-Mixed use area
6-Residential area
7-Public parks & squares
8-Archeological excavation area
9-Marians
FEATURES AND OBJECTIVES
Governing the main outlines of reconstruction and development, the BCD's Master
Plan was officially approved by the Council of Ministers in March of1994, after a series
of detailed studies and public and professional seminars.
THE MAIN FEATURES AND OBJECTIVES OF THE MASTER
PLAN ARE:
 The reintegration of
the Central District within the metropolitan area of Beirut and the strengthening of its
links with neighboring areas through improved pedestrian and vehicular networks, and a
comprehensive public transport policy;
The preservation of the historical core of the city, namely, the area stretching
from the Serail Citadel in the west, to Martyrs' Square in the east. Within this district,
all remaining historical buildings, as well as the banking buildings along Riad al Solh
Street, will be preserved and are in the process of being renovated. Historical
preservation is expected to increase the value of the new real estate development in the
BCD;
The development of a mixed-use zone in the reclaimed land stretching from the
planned seaside park to the first basin of the port. This area will command superb views
over the Mediterranean, the port of Beirut, the Bay of Jounieh and the hills and mountains
beyond. The development will include a financial district, entertainment, recreational and
shopping facilities;
The reconstruction of the old Souks - Ayyas, Tawileh and Al-Jamil - and of the
area extending to the former Khan Antoun Bey;
The preservation of the residential neighborhoods of Saifi, Mar Maroun and Zkak
al Blat. New developments and outdoor spaces will be introduced with the purpose of
improving the quality of life in these neighborhoods;
The extension of the residential area of Wadi Abu Jmil along its natural
topographical inclination to the waterfront. The renovation and restoration of several
traditional Lebanese houses will reaffirm the Levantine character of this neighborhood;
The development of a seaside park on the landfill zone, including cultural
facilities in the vicinity, such as a national library and centers for the arts. This area
is expected to become one of the main public and tourist attractions of the BCD; The
construction of a tree-lined seaside promenade which will extend Beirut's famous seaside
boulevard;
The provision of adequate links between the area traditionally associated with
the BCD and the reclaimed land zone. To this end, an east-west boulevard, offering a view
to the sea and the mountains, will be built across the BCD;
The integration of the archeological finds from the excavation site located
between Place de l'Etoile, St. George's Cathedral and Martyrs' Square into modern
developments;
The development of the Minet al Hosn neighborhood into a mixed-use area
comprising residential, hotel and office spaces;
The creation of a better visual and urban link between Martyrs' Square and the
waterfront;
The adoption of a policy that limits the number of high-rise buildings and
restricts their locations to areas along major BCD gateways, the existing hotel district,
and the new financial district;
The provision of service roads and underground public parking facilities in key
locations, so as to minimize vehicular traffic inside the BCD. |
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