After years of stalling, construction effort on the Katara Towers project in the under-construction Lusail City is relaunching.
Construction on the long awaited twin-tower project in Lusail Marina known as Katara Towers is regaining effort after it had been halted and missed its 2016-completion goal. Earlier this week Katara Hospitality issued a tender for a main contractor, with the application deadline set by October 15.
The impressive design of the monumental 36-story building is inspired from the crossed swords on the Seal of Qatar, and was designed by German civil engineering and design firm Kling Consult.
Originally launched in May 2012, the Katara Towers project will include two hotels, luxury apartments, restaurants, and entertainment and recreational facilities, according to Katara hospitality.
Once completed, the complex will cover an area of 300,000 square meters and is estimated to cost a total of QR2.2 billion.
Enabling and piling works already started back in 2013, with subcontracting and basement works packages being tendered in December 2014.
Katara Towers render, Lusail City – Kling Consult
Today, the new completion date for Katara Towers is scheduled for 2020.
The state-funded Katara Hospitality said that they are interested in Qatar-based contractors for the project, or a joint venture with representation in the country.
Other criteria bidding contractors should have include:
- Minimum of three completed similar projects, each project construction value of not less than QR 2 billion within the last six years.
- Construction turnover per annum in most recent accounts of not less than QR 2 billion. Evidence to be provided.
- Financial net assets in excess of liabilities of not less than QR 100 million.
- Provide audited financial accounts from 2012 to most recent.
- Recent experience within the last five years in projects of similar size, character and complexity within the GCC/MENA as general contractor to be provided.
Bidders are also required to put forward a tender bond of QR 65,000,000.00.
Once a contractor has been selected, they will be given responsibility for the erecting the main structure itself, as well as the MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) works.
Lusail City
Across 38 square kilometers in the vast desert some 20 kilometers north of Doha, Lusail City is taking shape as the “city of the future”. With a goal of eventually housing half a million residents (200,000 by 2022), it embodies Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
Lusail City satellite image from May 2015 (Left), Lusail City render (Right).
Planned for sustainability, it will be connected by a light rail network, a water taxi transportation system, cycle and pedestrian network since 30% of the land area will be dedicated to green and open spaces.
Aside from residential buildings, medical centers, schools and other essential urban facilities, Lusail City will include residential islands, 2 golf courses and marinas capable of accommodating more than 1,800 boats and luxury yachts.
