WITH the start of construction work  on the Dubai World Trade Centre District in Dubai, Liebherr tower cranes have swung into action on the project.

The first phase of the redevelopment, being undertaken by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), was awarded to  Al Jaber Engineering and Contracting (Alec) in May last year at a value of Dh3.4 billion ($911 million).
However, it was put on hold earlier this year as the DWTC expanded the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre (DICEC).
The four Liebherr cranes on the project include two 154 EC–H and two 280 EC–H 16 units.
Both the 154 EC-Hs  are self climbing and feature a jib length of 60 m and a maximum lifting capacity of 10 tonnes and 1.4 tonnes at jib end.
The two 280 EC-H 16s have jib lengths of 70 m and a 16-tonne maximum lift. One is positioned on the foundation anchor whilst the second is rail-mounted.
Phase One of the integrated commercial complex will cover more than 240,000 sq m of grade A office space together with a premium range of meeting, retails and hospitality facilities. The development will feature seven office buildings, two hotels and retail outlets.  On completion of Phase One in 2011, 1,150 hotel rooms and 500 serviced apartments will be available.
On completion of excavation across the site more than 850,000 cu m of concrete had been poured for the foundations with more than 7,000 piles.
Other partners on the Dubai World Trade Centre District include Hopkins Architects, structural engineer WSP and project manager, the Mace Group.
The Dubai World Trade Centre District lies at the heart of the new business district in the city.
The design will feature a balance of public and private spaces creating a unique mixed-use urban quarter of offices, apartments, hotels and retail use. It includes a series of internal and external public spaces with treelined streets, light-filled atria and rooftop gardens. The project will provide a unique human-scaled urban environment with over 1 million sq m of developable area. The offices will be designed to the best environmental standards to achieve the USGBC’s (US Green Building Council) Leed (Leadership in Environmental Design) Platinum status.
Phase One also includes 8,300 underground car-parking spaces.