Saudi-based Jeddah Central Development Company (JCDC) has awarded the development works contract for Phase One of its mega SR75-billion ($20 billion) project, Central Jeddah (formerly New Jeddah Downtown) project, to Modern Building Leaders (MBL).

 

JCDC, a wholly-owned unit of Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund Public Investment Fund (PIF), is developing the mega project on a 5.7-million-sq-m area in the Saudi port city of Jeddah.

 

The scope of work for MBL includes the project’s infrastructure and marine works which will see the demolition of nearly 400 buildings within the city’s existing infrastructure for the Phase One work.

 

The first phase will also see relocation of water, electricity, and waste management infrastructure services, which all run across 6.5 km, said the statement from JCDC. 

 

According to JCDC, the dredging works, marine drilling and sustainable backfilling using the same drilled materials (which are estimated to amount to 4 million cu m) will also be handled by MBL. This will be followed by a period of soil testing and construction site preparation, all utilising the latest geotechnical engineering methods, across a 1.5 sq-m area. 

 

Furthermore, sea berths and yacht marinas spanning 2.5 km will be built, along with floating berths within the marina itself. 1.5 km of waterfront berths will also be constructed, while the city’s public and private beaches will be outfitted with modern new facilities, said the statement.

 

It marks the beginning of the project’s first phase, which will commence in the heart of Jeddah, between Al-Salam Royal Palace and water desalination plant, it added.

 

The project is in line with the directives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to build a thriving economy and a vibrant society and enrich the quality of life for its residents and visitors, remarked CEO Engineer Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Sulaim after signing the deal with MBL Chairman Mohammed Saleh Bin Laden.

 

The ambitious move is aimed at creating a vibrant global destination in the heart of Jeddah through innovative, sustainable construction methods and technologies, he noted.

 

"The project is characterised by its emphasis on maintaining and enhancing the city’s coastal and marine sites, including a 9.5-km shoreline, 2.1 km of sandy beaches, and a world-class marina to accommodate local and international yachts," remarked Al Sulaim. 

 

Since the project lands are entirely owned by PIF, there are no ownership disputes or confiscation issues, he added.

 

According to him, the mega Central Jeddah project is being developed in three phases. Its modern design, which incorporates elements of Jeddah's traditional architecture, adheres to all international construction standards.

 

"Throughout the project, four major landmarks will be constructed in the heart of Jeddah: a museum, opera house, stadium, and an oceanarium, which includes a coral farm. 10 other recreational and touristic areas will also be built within this same area," explained Al Sulaim.

 

In addition to its recreational areas and iconic landmarks, JCDC will also build 17,000 residential units for citizens along with tourist resorts and hotels that will take the total number of hotel rooms to over 3,000 rooms, he said. 

 

The project also includes a marina and some of the world's most famous resorts and cafes, in addition to shopping malls and business sector solutions, he added.-TradeArabia News Service