City Walk, Abuja
Abuja, Nigeria
A Free Trade Zone masterplan for Nigeria’s capital
Service
Commercial Strategy & Advisory, Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture
Client
MAG Group Limited
Size
2.2 million m2
Challenge
City Walk is a 250-hectare mixed-use masterplan on Airport Road, Abuja, Benoy’s first project in Nigeria and a development of continental significance. The masterplan establishes a new Free Trade Zone at the point where the capital first presents itself to international visitors, investors and businesses, integrating trade, civic, cultural and residential life within a single urban framework. Two continental records define its identity: Africa’s tallest tower at 450 metres, and Nigeria’s largest indoor arena with a 13,000-seat capacity.
Solution
Benoy’s Commercial Strategy team opened the work with Highest and Best Use studies, defining the programme mix and density across the site. The masterplan is organised around a strong north – south connector, from the active northern gateway on Airport Road, home to the arena, tower, and a hub for food, art and nightlife, to the quieter southern edge, where the city transitions gradually into intimate residential compounds and landscaped gardens. The Ravine forms the green spine of the scheme, structuring landscape, ecology, stormwater management and wellbeing throughout. A light mobility network of low-carbon shuttles, bikes and micro-mobility systems connects the residential, cultural and commercial districts, reducing car dependency across the site.
Result
At the heart of Phase One, which will deliver 245,000 m² of built space, is the Art District, 12,000 m² of cultural space within a mixed-use block of residences, retail and public realm, connected via a gateway boulevard to an event piazza and retail and leisure plaza. Phase One also encompasses urban apartments, townhouses and garden apartments alongside the arena, a 15,000 m² hotel, 30,000 m² of offices, retail, a school, university campus and hospital, serving residents across every stage of life.
