The land, donated by the government, is split between a 350-acre site at Peace island on the Nile and a further 300-350 acres opposite the island, about 10-15 kilometres from the capital.

The development will include about 570 two-storey detached villas; 500 detached villas; a number of semi-detached houses; and 10-15 five-storey apartment buildings.

The official handover of the land to investors is expected to take place by the end of August. Development will be phased, with invitations to bid for construction contracts expected to be issued in the next six-12 months.

Work is likely to begin on infrastructure in the second quarter of 2005.