Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has announced they will be extending the deadline to submit proposals for the "Hiyaa" project's commercial units being developed in Hulhumalé Phase II.

In a press statement released on Sunday, HDC confirmed that they have extended the submission deadline for proposals to establish essential commercial services in relation to the "Hiyaa" project being developed in Phase II of Hulhumalé.

The extended deadline applies to proposals for the provision of a supermarket, grocery store and cafeteria in the commercial units being leased under the "Hiyaa" project.

The deadline to submit proposals to lease units for a supermarket has been extended to 28 February 2021, and the deadlines for proposals to lease units for a grocery store and cafeteria in Hiyaa Commercial have been extended until 1 and 2 March 2021 respectively.

HDC clarified the main reason for extending the deadlines had been to present opportunities to tour the commercial units up for leasing under the "Hiyaa" project as many parties were expressing an interest to do so. The tour for the commercial units being leased is scheduled for 11 February.

In addition to this, HDC is also preparing to call for the submission of proposals to operate a clinic, grocery store, saloon, a bookshop and other essential services under stage II and III of the development of Hiyaa Commercial.

According to HDC, commercial units under the "Hiyaa" project are to be released through Requests for Proposals (RFP) and Direct Allocation.

HDC further declared that RFPs would be the system through which commercial units are to be released to provide essential services, and that the best candidates would be chosen following the evaluation of all proposals submitted before the deadline.

HDC also declared that they would be leasing commercial units under Direct Allocation for anchor tenants, franchise businesses, and stores for brands popular among members of the public. HDC said that Direct Allocation was being employed in releasing units from Hiyaa Commercial to ensure that people living in different areas of Hulhumalé would have access to many services and commercial outlets previously unavailable in the capital-suburb.