The local/UAE Arabtec Construction is the frontrunner for the estimated QR2.5bn ($687m) second phase contract on the Msheireb Downtown project in Doha.

The second phase involves the construction of 10 mixed-use buildings, which will cover a total area of 144,888 square metres. This is scheduled to include 68,500 sq m of retail and 27,000 sq m of commercial office space, as well as 24,000 sq m of residential space and a 25,388 sq m hotel.

Local developer Msheireb Properties is the client for the QR20bn development that comprises a number of major construction packages. Msheireb has invited contractors to submit bids for the third construction package on the scheme. The original closing date for technical submissions was 19 November and 24 December for commercial proposals. These deadlines have now been extended to 17 December and 21 January.

The third phase of the mixed-use project will include the construction of 14 buildings covering an area of 148,800 sq m. The buildings will consist of a 192-room hotel, office building, mosque, health centre and 10 residential buildings.

The local HBK Contracting has been awarded the contract for the raft foundation works for the third phase of the project. This is the second contract that HBK has been awarded on the Msheireb development. In 2010, the local contractor, in joint venture with South Korea’s Hyundai Engineering & Construction Company, was awarded the deal to build a of the project.

More recently, the joint venture of Canada’s Brookfield Multiplex and the local Medgulf Construction won the contract to build phase 1c in September. In December 2011, the joint venture of the UK’s Carillion and the local Qatar Building Company was awarded a QR2.37bn contract to build phase 1b.

The 750,000-sq m Msheireb development is one of the largest real estate schemes in the capital. It will be built behind the Emiri Diwan administrative centre on Doha corniche. The scheme will also include an interchange for Doha’s proposed metro system.