A Nottinghamshire architecture firm which designed Abu Dhabi's famous Yas Island development has released stunning images of its masterplan for a new capital city.
Benoy, headquartered in Newark, was asked to create a vision for more than 49,000 acres of land to the east of the Uzbekistan capital, Tashkent.
The new city will include an airport, government district and trade area, with 3D images released by the company showing what the new development could look like.
John Dawes, a director at Benoy, which is also behind the redevelopment of Nottingham Forest's City Ground, said: "Uzbekistan is a place of fascination for us; the history of the Great Silk Road and the history of the country itself are great moments for us, inspiring moments for us, and we’re delighted to be friends and partners with the Mayor to deliver their vision."
Uzbekistan is in central Asia and was a former Soviet republic. Its capital, Tashkent, is in the north-east of the country and is known for its mix of modern and Soviet architecture.
The proposal has been developed to accommodate a population of roughly two million people. It will be a twin to the current capital with the aim of revitalising the "Old City".
The new site itself sits on agricultural land and within the masterplan is the addition of an island - New Tashkent Island - which will offer a new waterfront destination in the city.
This will feature boardwalks lined with housing, retail units, and leisure and entertainment destinations.
Hakan Agca, masterplanning and urban design lead at Benoy, added: "The masterplan proposal aims to diligently answer the demands of Uzbekistan and its capital city today with ingenuity and rigour, whilst being inherently flexible, adaptable and future-proofed to answer the questions posed by tomorrow.”
The plan has been released as a public consultation continues into proposals to redevelop Nottingham Forest's stadium with a new Peter Taylor stand, increased capacity and state-of-the art facilities.
Keith Mather, chairman of the Nottingham Forest Supporters Club, said: "It is fantastic that (owner) Mr Marinakis is investing into the club like this and it has needed a boost like this for quite some time."
Speaking as plans for the stadium were announced, Benoy chief executive and Reds fan, Tom Cartledge, said: "Any club can consider moving roots, but this is quite a short-term move. What we can do by regenerating the City Ground and redesigning the fourth stand, is create four stands that are each, individually, a special place. And collectively they will create a real world class environment."
