Baytur was the clear low bidder for the contract, with its final price coming in at about 10 per cent below the second-placed quote submitted by Japan's Taisei Corporation. Other bidders included Belgium's Six Construct, US-based Contrack Internationaland Cyprus-based Joannou & Pareskevaides (J&P).

The contract, representing package 3 on the project, covers structures, finishings and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) works on the striking five-storey structure, which will be located opposite the Finance Ministry building. Completion is set for December 2005.

A joint venture of the local Midmac Contracting and Six Construct is carrying out the second package, which covers the marine, platform and piling works. Worth $17.5 million, the 13-month contract is due to be completed by the end of the year (MEED 31:10:03).

IMP Architects of the US is the design consultant on the landmark building; the construction manager is the US' Turner Internationalwith Kuwait's Projacs (MEED 5:3:04; 26:9:03).

QP is evaluating bids for another major building contract, the main package on the Qatar National Library project. Technical clarifications are taking place with the three bidders - Germany's Strabag, Taisei and Six Construct - for the contract, which is valued at over $200 million (MEED 7:5:04).