Eagle Hills, Abu Dhabi-based developer has made its first incursion into the Ethiopian real estate market with the launch of La Gare, the downtown of Addis Ababa, offering more than 4,000 residences.

La Gare represents an integrated community comprising of residential, retail, commercial, leisure and hospitality facilities in a single, secure and exclusive setting surrounding a park. It is located in the capital of Ethiopia.

The development spans an area of approximately 360,000 sq m in proximity to the Addis Bole International Airport, with a rail line running along its northern edge.

La Gare is anchored by four and five-star hotels supported by residential buildings, retail outlets and offices.

The government of Ethiopia in alliance with Eagle Hills, also intends to develop a social housing component within the masterplan, where residential units will be constructed to permanently accommodate the residents currently living in the project site.

Chairman of Eagle Hills Mohamed Alabbar said, “As one of Africa’s hidden gems, Ethiopia is rich in history, culture and natural beauty. Our vision is to bring attention to such locations across the globe, revealing the charm and potential within them and inviting future residents and tourists to consider making new homes for themselves there.

"In addition to creating a brand-new skyline and city centre, La Gare is set to contribute to the local market by creating jobs, further bolstering market sentiment and energizing the economy.

“La Gare is a project of passion that will be developed on a land of heritage. It will be built upon the historical grounds of La Gare train station that has stood the test of time, and with our project, will live in people’s collective memories for even longer,” he added.

La Gare, translated from French to 'The Station', was the main railway station in Addis Ababa. Completed in 1917, the station was a central part of the capital and the main source of traffic into the city and the terminal station of the first Addis Ababa – Djibouti train line in the Horn of Africa.

It includes a pedestrianised retail district inclusive of a wide range of indoor and outdoor food and beverage choices and also serves as a new commercial hub for the city.