He expects approval to be obtained by March next year. The project master plan has been submitted by the developer, Tanjung Aru Eco Development Sdn Bhd, to Kota Kinabalu City Hall.

Tanjung Aru, world-renowned for its spectacular beach, lies close to the heart of the Sabah capital.

The Daily Express quoted him as saying:”The Central Planning Board will first approve the draft plan for submission to the governor.

“The Tanjung Aru Beach and Prince Phillip Park will remain public space for future generations to enjoy.”

The mayor said the central board approval would hinge on public hearings and an inspection of the project. “The public may offer their comments and feedback,” he said.

The feedback will be analysed for presentation at a public hearing chaired by the mayor, said the report.

According to a government gazette, the draft plan, ready for public inspection at a meeting room in City Hall, will be on public view until Feb 10 next year.

The mayor confirmed that two schools in the project area, SK Tanjung Aru 1 and 2, would be relocated to Kampung Tanjung Aru Baru.

The area is now occupied by squatters who will be shifted to a hardcore poor housing project nearing completion in Inanam, in the outskirts of greater Kota Kinabalu.

The 348 hectare TAED, over four phases taking 30 months, will have eight zones covering a beach, park, wharf, gateway, village, oceanfront, marina and golf retreat, It will also have a canal.

About 30 per cent of the project area will remain public space, according to the report.