'Germany Island' work starts on The World

Will German villas ever be built?

Another week, another story about how Nakheel's much troubled 'World' project. This time however, it appears something positive is happening on the massive archipelago with news that German construction firm Kleindienst Group has broken groun on the German Island, making them the first developers to start construction on the project.

Since the artificial islands were finished, the 'Heart of Europe' island group has lain untouched and undeveloped but now, specialist engineering contractor Foundation Construction Group Limited have begun work on what is hoped to be a series of villas and luxury accommodation.

“Exactly two months ago we launched Germany Island with a clear promise to start construction in Q1 of 2010. I am very proud to say we are delivering on that promise,” Josef Kleindienst, chief executive, said in a statement on Wednesday, the day after work began.

“By the end of this year you will start to see the first villas on The World, one of which will be my own home,” he said.

“While we are the first developer to begin construction, we are aware of several more that are not far behind us. The World project is very real, it is taking shape as we speak and I firmly believe that when complete it will become the most expensive property in the emirate of Dubai,” he added.

The developer has already sold 11 villas despite the fact that they haven't been made yet.

Plagued with problems?

In recent months, The World has been accused of sinking which Nakheel has strenuously denied, calling any such rumours 'inaccurate'.

In a statement last month, "Speculative reports suggesting that The World islands are sinking are wholly inaccurate,"

"The islands were finished some years ago and there has been no subsidence since. A system known as vibro-compaction was used to increase the load-bearing capacity of the reclaimed land mass," it said.

"This process causes the soil to vibrate vigorously, minimising the tiny air gaps between the sand particles and locking the particle corners and edges together, which in turn lead to very deliberate and calculated compaction and settlement. The load-bearing capacity of The World islands is about twice that of mainland Dubai."

The statement also said, "A suggestion also that some of the islands have slipped and spread into each other is also completely incorrect. The islands at the centre of The World were merged purposely to create land for specific developments.

"We have currently sold around 70 per cent of the islands and development has begun [as reported earlier by Emirates Business] by a number of the owners - further testament to the fact that the islands are as solid as the rock they are built upon," it added.

Relevant articles:

Construction recommences at The World | The cancelled Dubai mega-projects | Work to recommence on The World

Timon Singh

Timon Singh is a graduate of Liverpool University where he received a degree in Social and Economic History. He has previously worked for BBC Magazines on BBC Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine, the publication for the popular genealogy show.

Like this article? Get the RSS feed: