Approval of the Marrakech West and M'Hamid Sud Urban Development Plan
The vibrant city of Marrakech has officially completed its urban planning documentation with the recent publication of a decree in the official bulletin, which approves the Urban Development Plan for the Marrakech West and M'Hamid Sud areas. This critical document not only aims to stimulate investment but also introduces eight new urban projects designed to enhance the appeal of the western side of the city, often referred to as the "ochre city" due to its distinct architectural style.
On April 14, 2026, the decree signified the plan's execution after being authorized during the Marrakech municipal council meeting held on June 23, 2025. This was further substantiated by a public inquiry conducted between May 12 and June 11, 2025, along with a commission dedicated to addressing any objections raised during these consultations, which convened on November 20 and 21, 2025.
The approval also serves as a public utility declaration for the necessary expropriations needed to implement the planned infrastructure, in accordance with Article 28 of Law 12-90 relating to urban planning. This comprehensive urban development plan is a significant milestone, as it finalizes the urban documentation for the entire city of Marrakech, following previously approved plans for areas such as Tassoultante (2017), Mechouar Kasbah (2021), Sidi Youssef Ben Ali (2021), the former industrial district (2023), and Guéliz-East (2024).
Strategic Importance and Future Vision
Strategically, this newly sanctioned plan encompasses approximately 40% of the total area of Marrakech, addressing several years of urban dysfunction. It is expected to unlock investments in the western region of the city by establishing a regulatory framework for the issuance of construction permits, renovations, and land subdivision, along with the planning of new infrastructures that align with the evolving needs of the area.
Designed with upcoming international events in mind, these urban planning choices reinforce Marrakech's tourist appeal. The strategy is built around three primary axes: enhancing road connectivity to World Cup infrastructures, improving interconnectivity between the expansions of Greater Marrakech via an urban bypass, and alleviating isolation in future peripheral zones while also addressing approximately 150 pockets of substandard housing.
The Urban Development Plan for Marrakech West and M'Hamid Sud, which pertains to the Menara district and western Guéliz, outlines eight urban projects:
- Project for the ALEM Azzouzia Urban Area: Enhance the attractiveness of the new Marrakech bus station.
- Extension of Targa Urban Project: Mobilization of state land to improve urban mobility (including the high-speed train station and a BHNS exchange hub).
- Tidili Urban Project: Relocation of harmful activities and support for informal businesses.
- M'Hamid West Urban Project: Establishment of a new economic zone that will generate jobs and control urban sprawl on the western side.
- Green Corridor Urban Project: Creation of a green belt near Marrakech airport.
- Tachfine Camp Urban Project: Relocation of military installations to integrate quality infrastructure.
- Koudiat Laabid Urban Project: Addressing the significant urban pressure in this area through functional diversity that considers urban and natural challenges due to the region's topography.
- North Zone Urban Project: Establishment of a green buffer zone in the north of the city near the Tensift River.
Additionally, in a bid to promote green spaces in the western part of Marrakech, the urban development plan includes the creation of 466 green areas covering approximately one hundred hectares. Among these, the largest is set to span 131,408 square meters near the Koudia neighborhood.
For more detailed insights into the new urban projects, zoning changes, and planned urban interventions for the coming decade, refer to the previous articles on this topic published by Médias24.
As reported by medias24.com.
