Construction of New Underground Parking Garage in Fez Nears Completion
The construction of a new underground parking garage in Fez is approaching its final stages, with significant progress made in the project aimed at enhancing the city's infrastructure for vehicle parking in one of its most historical areas, Place Al-Rasif. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and enhance the urban fabric of the historic city while accommodating the growing urban and tourism dynamics.
According to Mohammed Al-Tai, the head of the works department at the agency responsible for the development and restoration of Fez, the parking facility is being developed under an agreement that focuses on boosting economic activities and improving living conditions in the old city. The project has a financial envelope of nearly 30 million dirhams, with construction commencing in August 2024 after initial preparation work, including demolition and site clearance.
Al-Tai noted that the project is currently over 90% complete, with only final touches and technical installations remaining. This facility is expected to improve access to the ancient city of Fez, facilitating movement for traders, artisans, and visitors alike. It will also alleviate pressure on nearby parking areas, particularly in the bustling Al-Rasif area, which is characterized by heavy traffic and taxi services, thereby enhancing the flow of movement in the vicinity.
The new parking garage, which can accommodate 93 vehicles, consists of two levels equipped with modern technologies. These include a sophisticated surveillance system using high-quality cameras to ensure the security of vehicles and users, as well as a dynamic guidance system for available spaces. Additionally, the garage will feature charging stations for electric vehicles, aligning with environmental standards.
Moreover, the facility will include sanitary services and other service areas, alongside the upper square, which is currently undergoing renovations. Plans for this square include the installation of modern urban furniture designed to revitalize the space and provide resting areas for visitors, complemented by a tree-planting initiative to enhance its aesthetic appeal and attractiveness.
Despite its seemingly limited capacity, this new garage is expected to contribute significantly alongside other facilities, such as the Bab Boujloud parking and the "Intercity" garage, to mitigate congestion and enhance the parking capacity in Fez's historic city, especially given its strategic location near Bab Sid Al-Aouad, which experiences a constant influx of visitors and tourists due to its historical and touristic significance.
Al-Tai acknowledged that the construction of this garage faced several technical challenges, particularly due to its proximity to the rejuvenated Jewel River. However, these difficulties were successfully overcome thanks to the intervention of architects and staff from the agency responsible for the development and restoration of Fez, in coordination with various stakeholders, including the Fez-Meknes regional authority and the Ministry of Culture, under the framework of the partnership agreement.
With construction nearing completion, the project is expected to be fully operational in the coming weeks. This will contribute to smoother traffic flow, improved access to the ancient city of Fez, and the introduction of new dynamics to the area, enhancing its touristic appeal.
As reported by ar.le360.ma.
