Silica City to have innovative design, focus on limiting vehicular use

The master plan for Silica City has been completed and the forthcoming development is expected to be an innovative one.

The master plan for Silica City was done by the University of Miami with a government oversight committee.

The master plan draws inspiration from Guyana’s natural surroundings that will result in an organic layout reminiscent of a tree. The road corridors will act as stems, connecting “leaves” or development blocks that house residential, commercial, educational, and innovation zones.

This was revealed in the Ministry of Housing and Water review of 2024.

“The masterplan has been completed for over 3000 acres of land and so the various aspects that is involved in putting together to ensure we are able to expand, is an ongoing exercise,” Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal revealed during a recent year-end press conference.

Silica City’s central districts, including the innovation and civic areas, form its core. It has unique landmarks such as retail hubs, research facilities, museums, hospitality centers and biodiversity institutes.

Blue-green infrastructure will enhance the city’s commitment to Guyana’s forest and waterways. The master plan also incorporates public parks, hydroponic farms, botanical gardens and eco-tourism attractions.

“The work that is involved in terms of silica city continues and certainly moving forward under this PPP tenure you will see in a major physical way the enhancement on Silica City,” Minister Croal stated.

The development concept m used for Silica City was the Regenerative Design approach. This design is based on a whole living system approach that encompasses humanity, health and wellbeing, local economy, environment, nature, built intervention, climate and community.

This means the systems in place and infrastructure are interrelated.

Once completed, the main thoroughfare within the new city will be a green parkway with a major portion of the road to be designed for riding, landscaping and will not allow vehicular use.

The project has set aside some 3,800 acres of land, and work on the infrastructure is already underway with 110 houses being constructed.

In addition to green areas and other facilities, the state-of-the-art development will include smart homes outfitted with the newest energy-saving technologies.