Surat: DREAM City has cleared key planning and regulatory approvals that pave the way for large-scale development, including a revised master plan, a land disposal policy and updated development control regulations.Authorities have also floated a request for proposal (RFP) for development rights on two land parcels, marking the start of a new phase of private participation in the project.In a significant change, DREAM City will be developed as a mixed-use zone, allowing commercial, educational and residential activities within the same building structure. Officials said the revised framework is aimed at creating a more integrated urban environment while improving land utilisation and supporting economic and social infrastructure.Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), the world’s largest office building, remains one of the flagship projects within DREAM City. The govt has spent around Rs 400 crore on infrastructure in the project, where road networks and open spaces have already been developed.The DREAM project spans 682 hectares, including 562 hectares of govt land, with the remaining area privately owned. Authorities said around 250 hectares will be available for disposal and development, while the rest will be reserved for green spaces and social infrastructure. Road development is expected to occupy about 33% of the total area, compared with the typical 25% allocation in urban projects.“Of the total land of DREAM City, we will have 250 hectares available for disposal and development. This will ensure more open space will be available, giving it a different look and better infrastructure,” said Dharmesh Mistry, deputy municipal commissioner, Surat Municipal Corporation.Initially, the RFP has been floated for plots measuring 7,000 sq m and 15,125 sq m. Interested parties will be invited for pre-bid discussions on Oct 28, and their suggestions may be incorporated into the development framework.Officials said the land will be offered on a 90-year lease. Developers are expected to receive development potential equivalent to more than five floor space index (FSI). “Though we will not go by FSI measurements in DREAM City but to understand the benefits to the developer in simple terms they will get more than 5 FSI for development,” Mistry said. He added that approvals would be subject to airport authority clearances and applicable margin guidelines.
