A joint venture (JV) of Shapoorji Pallonji Mideast (SPML) has won a RO85-million ($220 million) construction contract for Package Three of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) project, said a report.

The two-year contract was awarded by Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran), reported the Muscat Daily.

As per the agreement, Shapoorji Pallonji Mideast, a subsidiary of India’s Shapoorji Pallonji Group, will join hands with its local unit Oman Shapoorji Company to start work on the Package Three, which comprises a new building for the convention centre and other key facilities including auditorium and theatre, conference rooms and supporting facilities.

The Package Two contract, which included construction of exhibition halls, car-park facilities and other facilities, had been awarded to Carillion Alawi in 2013 for a value of RO78 million ($201 million). Also Omran has awarded a construction contract for the planned JW Marriott Hotel at the OCEC to Bahwan Contracting Company for RO35 million ($91 million) and the 300-room Crowne Plaza to L&T Oman.

On completion, the OCEC will feature a two-tiered auditorium to seat 3,200 and 450 people, while the exhibition halls will feature 22,000 sq m of column-free exhibition space.

Features also include an additional 13 meeting rooms, two ballrooms to seat up to 2,360 guests, and a multi-storey car park with capacity for 4,000 vehicles.