Jeddah Central Development Company (JCDC) has signed contracts worth SAR12 billion ($3.2 billion) for the construction of three major architectural landmarks - a stadium, an opera house and oceanarium - in addition to the infrastructure and utilities facilities as part of Phase One of its premium destination - Jeddah Central.

 

Strategically located on a 5.7 million sq m area in the centre of the Saudi port city, the Jeddah Central Project is set to become a world destination boasting a world-class marina and stunning beach resorts, along with a wide range of luxurious local and international hotels, restaurants, and cafes, and diverse shopping options.

 

According to JCDC, its operational activities will also open the door for the local private sector to participate in developing and operating promising economic sectors, such as tourism, sports, culture, and entertainment, alongside other sectors that include building and developing modern residential areas with more than 25,000 housing units and various hotel projects providing more than 6,500 rooms. 

 

The development comprises several key premium attractions including the Central District; Marina District; Waterfront District; Sports Park District; Cultural and creativity district; Wellness District.

Capitalizing on Jeddah’s geographical location on the Red Sea coast and proximity to Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi developer aims to turn it into popular year-round tourist and pilgrimage destination.

 

The Jeddah Central development comprises four major global landmarks, including an Opera House, Museum, Stadium, Oceanarium, and Coral Farms, and ten quality entertainment and tourism attractions.

 

Announcing the new contracts, JCDC said two of the contracts were snapped up by Modern Building Leaders Company for the construction of the Jeddah Central Destination Oceanarium as well as the Opera House.

 

The oceanarium will be a window to the wonders of the Red Sea and provide an unparalleled experience to visitors, while advocating for marine biodiversity protection, it stated.

 

The Opera House, through its 3 major halls with international specifications, will be a platform for creativity and inspiration to position Jeddah as a cultural hub.

 

According to JCDC, the contract for the stadium was clinched by a consortium of the Saudi unit of China Railway Construction Corporation and Sama Construction for Contracting. 

 

The stadium, designed in a unique contemporary architecture and international specs, will have a capacity to accommodate 45,000 fans.

 

The FIFA-complaint facility will be hosting major local and international games in the coming years.

JCDC said it has signed up China Harbour Engineering Arabia for the development of infrastructure and utilities works in the first phase.

 

The move is aimed at placing the city of Jeddah on the global tourism map through reviving its heritage and celebrating its contemporary culture, it added.-TradeArabia News Service