The DIFC Authority is planning three new mixed-use developments that will be built alongside its Gate Avenue development in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) free zone in Dubai.

DIFC has three vacant plots within the DIFC that it plans to develop in the future. According to Nabil AlKindi, Chief Real Estate Officer of DIFC Authority design work for projects on the three plots has already started and the projects could be launched next year.

The projects will be connected to the Gate Avenue development or retail spine that is currently being built at DIFC. Substantial completion of the project’s first phase is on track for the first half of 2018. A significant number of retail units have been handed over to tenants for design and fitout work has started with some of the units.

The concrete structure is now 95 per cent complete with 40,000 cubic meters of concrete poured to date, and blockwork installation on the project is 80 per cent complete with over 45,000 cubic meters of concrete blocks installed. Stone paving and planting of the soft cape is also well underway, while 140,000 linear meters of cables, wires and trays have already been installed.

“The progress we have made on its construction is significant and the project is well on track ahead of its opening in 2018. DIFC’s 2024 Strategy envisions a thriving community of 50,000 professionals based in the Centre, and Gate Avenue at DIFC is a milestone in this journey as well as a new landmark at the heart of Dubai,” said AlKindi.

DIFC awarded the local/Australian HLG Contracting the AED500m ($136m) contract to build the Gate Avenue in October 2016.

Located in the DIFC district, the 61,000-square-metre 880-metre long retail centre runs from Gate Avenue at DIFC, link the podium levels of all buildings located in DIFC, from the Gate Building to Central Park Towers.

There will be over 200 retail outlets in the centre and a mosque.

DIFC awarded the local Khansaheb Civil Engineering an estimated AED140m contract to build the Gate Village 11 building in early 2016.