Mayor of Amman, Omar Maani, said that the project of renewing King Faisal Plaza aims at restoring the memories of that place, promoting the urban spaces, protecting historical sites, reviving the spirit of the city center, refreshing the commercial movement, and empowering the location on touristic and historical levels.
During his meeting with the Director of Amman Chamber of Commerce, Riad AL Saify, and merchants of the Plaza, at the headquarters of Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) to explain the details of the project, the Mayor emphasized that GAM will implement the project in 4 phases and within the time frame that serves the public interest.
He stressed on GAM’s keenness to speed up the progress pace within the specific duration, pointing out that the delay in the project progress which needs 10 months to be completed, thus continuing to next summer.
Maani clarified that according to an in depth 18 month study of the project, GAM paid special attention to the details to bring back the glowing stations of the Jordanian political and social memory of King Faisal Plaza.
He mentioned that that project is one of the most important urban spaces in Amman, historically, economically, and archeologically, and it is a complementary part of a series of projects which GAM had set for the city center, aiming at creating urban spaces for the citizens.
The Mayor stated that Faisal Street was the main commercial street in Amman, and it suffered a draw back within the last years, as a result of the new trading styles in the City sides at the expense of the city center, and in light of the development Amman witnessed lately.
He highlighted the successful experience of GAM in renewing Rainbow Street which recently enjoys high attendance by the public, especially after the success of the commercial pathway and upon the development works implemented by GAM.
Maani also talked about a meeting soon to be scheduled with the residents of Rainbow Street, to discuss some notes and study their suggestions, and to tackle a study on restoring and developing Al Husseini Mosque plaza.
During the meeting which embraced the City Manager of Amman, Eng. Ammar Gharaibeh, the City Manager’s deputies, and a number of the executive directors and heads of concerned departments, the Director of Amman Chamber of Commerce expressed his gratitude to GAM for the restoration works on Faisal Street, that are expected to refresh the commercial movement of the Street, and added that there is a joint committee with GAM to provide constant coordination.
On his part, Dr. Rami Daher from Turath (Heritage) Office gave a presentation about the project’s elements, the action plans, and stages.
The work areas include restoring the pathways and stairs connecting Faisal Street with Basman and King Ghazi Streets, the meeting point of Chapsogh road with Faisal Street, the works on the middle islands of Faisal Street, splitting it in two sides, right and left, in addition to the middle island between Al Saadeh and Rida Streets, the intersections with the streets: Al Hashemi, Prince Mohemmed (Wadi Al Seer), and King Hussein (Al Salt Street).
Dr. Daher explained that the 10 month project on a space area of 17,000 m2, will be executed in 4 stages, the first is allocated to the entrances and sidewalks, and during the working period an area is to be provided to enable the tradesmen and the citizens reach to the commercial sites.
The second phase includes the sidewalk of Faisal Street and the entrances leading to Basman Street. The third will handle Faisal Street, its middle island, and junctions with Chapsogh and Rida Streets. The fourth and final phase is to manage the junction of Faisal Street with Prince Mohammed Street and Al Husseini Mosque.
In closing the meeting, Omar Maani listened to the tradesmen’s questions and proposals, commending GAM’s approach to dialogue and engaging them in the decision making process through a committee formed in coordination with Amman Chamber of Commerce, to ensure constant coordination with GAM during the Project’s execution.