Construction work has commenced on the first phase of the new multi-billion dollar Miami Worldcenter mixed-use urban development in Florida, US.

Located out on 27 acres of area, the new retail, residential, entertainment and transportation complex will be the second-largest mixed-use urban development in the US. It will be built on a 1.1m sq ft terrestrial landscape and cover six downtown Miami city blocks.

Phase one of the project will involve the construction of the 60-storey residential skyscraper Paramount Miami Worldcenter. The 700ft high tower, estimated to cost $500m, will house 500 residences including 24 penthouses. The homes will feature private elevators, outdoor living room-style terraces and 10-foot ceilings.

Paramount Miami Worldcenter will include the world's largest private amenities deck with resort-style pools, walking paths, gardens, bungalows, tennis courts and an outdoor soccer field.

The development will also consist of a collection of two- and three-level high street style stores, restaurants, and a public plaza.

Miami Worldcenter will intertwine six other downtown Miami residential and office buildings; a 1,800-room Marriott Marquis and Convention Center along with other hotels.

In addition, the property will also be the intermodal hub for the downtown MetroMover and Metrorail elevated transit systems.

The project is expected to be completed in 2018.