A massive mixed-use development is taking shape off Victoria Island in Nigeria's largest city, Lagos, which will become a new financial hub for West Africa.

The multi-billion pound development, called Eko Atlantic, is a joint venture between the Lagos State government and developers, South Energyx Nigeria, and is being fully funded by private investors, most notably large private banks. The project was designed by MZ Architects and ar+h Architects.

Conceived in 2003 as a solution to the coastal erosion problems suffered by Victoria Island, the project entails reclaiming ten sq km (107, 639 sq ft) of land from the sea to build the new city.

The newly reclaimed section is attached to Victoria Island and will protect it from the Atlantic Ocean by the construction of a barrier wall, called the Great Wall of Lagos. When completed, the wall will be over eight kilometres long and be made of 100,000 interlocking concrete blocks. Almost half the wall has already been constructed.

To be made up of ten districts covering an area roughly the size of Manhattan, the development will have leisure, corporate and residential components. It is expected the island will be home to 250,000 people and have a workforce of 150,000.

Nigeria’s government hopes the project will help alleviate the pressure on the city's infrastructure which is struggling to cope with its burgeoning population. Depending on who you ask, Lagos is home to between eight and 21 million people.

Most of the leisure developments will be located in the Marina and Ocean Front districts. The Marina district will have views of the ocean on one side and of the entrance to the port of Lagos on the other. A promenade will surround the district and be 18 metres wide. There will also be multiple berths for boats and other marine craft.

The Oceanfront district will stretch along the Nigerian coastline with views of the Atlantic Ocean. The coastal promenade will be lined by buildings, many of which will be hotels. It will also have a water park, cinemas, theatres and shopping centres. Both areas are expected to attract several bars, restaurants and cafes.

Parts of the project should reach completion by 2020.