US $5.5bn Qatar project to include hotel

Qatar master developer Msheireb Properties, formerly known as Dohaland, on Sunday announced the appointment of a lead consultant for phases 2 and 3 of its $5.5bn project to transform the centre of Doha.

Under two separate agreements, global design consultant Gensler will undertake the design of the Retail Galleria in phase 2 in addition to undertaking lead consultant duties in phases 2 and 3.

Gensler will execute all detailed design works for buildings designed by a total of six architectural firms through to the construction documentation stage, Msheireb said in a statement.

In phase 2, Gensler will work on the design of 10 mixed use buildings including 68,500 sq m of retail, while it will oversee work on 14 buildings in phase 3 including a hotel and a mosque.

The $5.5bn Msheireb scheme will transform a 31-hectare site in the centre of Doha, recreating a way of living that is rooted in Qatari culture.

Due for completion in 2016, the mixed-use scheme will see Msheireb Properties construct more than 100 buildings to offer housing, workspace, cultural and community facilities, while preserving key heritage buildings.

Dohaland was recently rebranded as Msheireb Properties in a move intended to reflect the significance of its signature project Msheireb in the company's evolution, and reaffirming its local Qatari roots.

The award of contract to Gensler follows the earlier appointment of Burns & McDonnell as lead consultant for phases 1A, 1B and 1C.