01 September 2019

Saudi Arabia’s Knowledge Economic City (KEC) has signed a SR13.59-million ($3.63 million) contract with IBI to design the Madinah Gate project at the city.

 To be built on an area of 37,000 sq m, the project will be undertaken in three main stages.

The first two phases will be completed in 42 weeks.

KEC is a 6.9-million-sq-m zone located 5 km from the Prophet’s mosque on the main axis connecting the airport, train station with the holy mosque providing numerous investment and development opportunities to enable it to be a knowledge industries hub and enabler.

Earlier, KEC awarded the $6.2-million two-phase design deal for its $587.1-million Downtown project to the UK-headquartered architecture and masterplanning studio Chapman Taylor.

Downtown’s feasibility study was completed in March 2019, and KEC said that the project’s initial design aimed at developing KEC’s main commercial market and associated hotel units within Phase One. The first phase of Chapman Taylor’s contract included site studies, preliminary designs and studies, milestone establishment, and estimated costs, while Phase Two would cover detailed design and tender documentation works, as well as the drawing up operational plans for the project.

 KEC said Chapman Taylor was mandated to ensure “the effective use of available spaces” within the site, with elements such as a 12.9-hectare mall, and 12.2-hectare boulevard-style leasable area. The boulevard will feature an interactive museum about Madinah, in addition to an entertainment space and a cinema. Hospitality elements planned within Downtown include three- and four-star hotels with 350 rooms and 150 hotel apartments within Phase One of KEC.

 In March 2019, KEC said that it expected to start excavation and site enablinging work for the Downtown area in Q4 2019, with construction to begin in 2020 and completion expected within three years.  

• $11.6bn tourism projects under way in kingdom
• KEC signs Madinah Gate design deal with IBI
• Red Sea begins work on Coastal Village homes
• $830m water projects start operation in Makkah
• Saudi Arabia leads GCC with $1.6trn projects
• RFPs issued for six solar power projects
• SWPC invites proposals for new Jubail desal plant
• SEC completes $319m projects
• Studies under way for Obhur Bridge
• Solar project completed

Tags

Abu Dhabi Concrete Technology Leisure Facilities Chemicals Access Equipment Power Generation Regional News Saudi Focus UAE Focus Events Legally Bound Real Estate Contractors Interiors Tenders Manufacturers & Procurement

Gulf Construction is the undisputed leading trade journal for the building and construction industries of Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states. The magazine provides editorial coverage on a wide range of topics which are of interest to industry professionals. In addition, regular features highlight technological developments within specific industry fields. Launched 40 years ago, the magazine has established an enviable reputation as an authoritative, respected journal with unmatched coverage of the Gulf region. Gulf Construction is essential reading for anyone with a serious interest in the region’s building and construction industry.