Msheireb Properties awards QR 2.37 billion construction contract to Carillion plc and Qatar Building Company

Msheireb Properties announced today that it has appointed a consortium of Carillion (Qatar) plc and Qatar Building Company as the main building contractor for a key phase of its flagship project, Msheireb Downtown Doha. Under the agreement, the joint venture Carillion Qatar Building Company (CQBC) is to carry out and complete all the substructure and superstructure works of Phase 1B.

The awarding of the contract, valued at QAR 2.37 billion (£395 million), represents a major milestone in the QR20 billion Msheireb Downtown Doha development. Phase 1B comprises 15 buildings, including the country’s first Mandarin Oriental Hotel comprising 158 rooms and 91 service apartments, two office buildings with 52 retail units and 12 residential buildings providing a total of 180 apartments.

Eng. Issa M. Al Mohannadi, CEO of Msheireb Properties, said: “With the awarding of this contract, the ambitious plans for our capital’s regeneration move closer to being fully realised. What we are building here is more than a collection of buildings – it is a whole community, one which will be fully aligned with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 for a sustainable country.

“In line with our commitment to sustainable development, CQBC has been tasked with delivering the project to the highest environmental design standards. When finished, the sustainable buildings in this phase will consume less resources and cost less to operate while providing healthier living and working environments for everyone – both indoors and out. This will benefit both the environment and all of its citizens for years to come. Such joint ventures between international and local contractors have been part of our strategy to help develop and grow local capabilities and expertise.”

Carillion’s sector-leading capabilities in delivering sustainable solutions will play a key role in delivering this project, to meet the objectives of Msheireb Properties in achieving a “Platinum to Gold” rating under the LEED Green Building Rating system of the U.S. Green Building Council.

Commenting, Carillion Group Chief Executive, John McDonough, said: “We are delighted to have been selected to deliver this prestigious project, which will make a major contribution to the regeneration of the centre of Doha.  We look forward to working with Msheireb Properties to deliver a visionary solution that will meet the high standards of sustainability that have been set for this transformational development.”

QBC’s Managing Director, Mr. Ali M. T. Mustafawi, commented: “Our sincerest thanks to Msheireb Properties for giving us an opportunity to work on such an iconic project of this magnitude. Msheireb Downtown Doha will be the perfect example of how sustainable engineering is employed to develop an urban regeneration project that preserves the Qatari culture.”

Construction at Msheireb Downtown began in January 2010, phased construction completion scheduled for 2012 through 2016. First phase of Msheireb Downtown Doha is Phase 1A, which consists of Diwan Amiri Quarter (Diwan Annex, Amiri Guard and National Archive), Heritage buildings and Amenity & Infrastructure (District Cooling Plant, Substations and Service Corridors). Msheireb Properties will also preserve several existing heritage sites, including houses dating back to the beginning of the last century.

Msheireb Downtown Doha will revive the old commercial heart of the city through a new architectural language across a 31 hectare (76 acre) site. The Msheireb Downtown project blends traditional Qatari heritage and aesthetics with modern technology, and a focus on sustainability and harmony with the environment. The aim of the project is to bring people back to their roots – to make Doha unique and rediscover a sense of community and togetherness.

The regeneration project involves meticulous attention to detail from a sustainable design perspective. The aim is to create a modern Qatari landscape that is rooted in traditions, with a nod to natural elements. The project evokes local culture to find social meaning and values that were once embedded in local life.

After years of car-driven urban expansion, the project reverses the trend by putting people first and cars second within a thriving community. Demonstrating that there is a strong desire for healthy outdoor activities, the Msheireb project offers a real alternative to air-conditioned existence in energy-hungry steel and glass structures.