Urbanco
has unveiled a significant policy shift aimed at alleviating the housing
shortage and promoting vertical growth. The company has announced its decision
to raise building height limits for residential plots in Hulhumalé, a rapidly
growing city, from the existing seven storeys to an expanded ten storeys, with
provisions for parking facilities to enhance residential convenience.
Hulhumalé,
a reclaimed island located near the capital city of Malé, has been grappling
with an escalating housing crisis, primarily driven by rapid urbanization and a
growing population. The current regulations stipulate that buildings within the
island's residential plots are limited to a maximum of seven floors, including
a terrace floor. However, recognizing the pressing need for more housing
options and a sustainable urban solution, Urbanco has taken a decisive step by
revising this policy.
Under
the revised regulation, residential plots in Hulhumalé are now permitted to
develop buildings of up to ten storeys, terrace included. Notably, the basement
area allocated for parking will not be counted as part of the ten floors, as
confirmed by Urbanco. This revision paves the way for the vertical expansion of
residential properties, enabling the construction of taller buildings that can
accommodate more families and residents.
Urbanco's
statement emphasizes that this change will facilitate the development of
residential plots to a height of 31 meters, a significant increase from the
previous limit. While the new regulation presents opportunities for vertical
growth, certain exceptions have been made to accommodate social housing and
commercial housing constructions, which are authorized to exceed the
twelve-storey limit. This flexibility allows for a diverse range of housing
solutions tailored to the needs of the community.
In
addition to the expanded building heights, Urbanco's new regulations also
prioritize residents' convenience by mandating parking facilities within
residential premises. The policy stipulates that every two-room apartment must
provide two parking spaces designated for motorcycles. Moreover, the regulation
asserts that a parking slot should be allocated for each room within the
building, ensuring adequate parking accessibility for residents.
As
the housing landscape of Hulhumalé evolves, this move acts as a signifies a
step forward in the direction of a more inclusive and vibrant urban ecosystem.