Aldar selects five firms to design souq
Aldar Properties has picked up five architectural firms for designing its multi-purpose Central Souq project in the heart of the capital costing Dh1.3 billion which will have retail outlets, residential apartments, office spaces besides two hotels.
RTKL from the UK, Cox Group from Australia, German firm ABB Architekten and two leading US architects — Gensler and F+A – have submitted design entries for the Central Market.
The project will be constructed after dismantling the old and new souqs located on the Hamdan and Khalifa streets, constructed in 1974.
The work is to start immediately on the massive redevelopment project. A deadline of March 1 has been fixed to start the demolition, to kick- off the project.
The Central Market redevelopment is a prestigious and fully integrated mixed-use scheme in Abu Dhabi City.
The redevelopment will be the transformation of the existing Central Market area into a vibrant new town centre. This will feature a mixed-use scheme encompassing a traditional souq, luxury shopping, a large choice of high quality restaurants, modern and well proportioned apartments, two hotels and state-of-the-art office accommodation all within a landscaped environment making the Central Market a true work and recreational city centre destination.
The redevelopment will be multi phase, with the first phase starting upon closure of the existing souq on March1.
The new Central Market will be a showpiece project for Abu Dhabi while Aldar Properties has been awarded an exclusive concession by the Government of Abu Dhabi to redevelop the 45,000 square metre site.
Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chairman of Aldar speaking on the occasion said that five firms have been selected for their global reputation for original design work on major urban developments and regeneration projects."
"They all have an award winning track record in designing some of the world’s most renowned property projects to very high standards. The final selection will be a difficult task, but we will announce the chosen designer very shortly,' he said.
