The local Msheireb Properties has extended the submission date for main construction contract on phase 2 of its QR5.5bn ($20bn) Msheireb downtown project in Doha by one month.

Prequalified contractors now have until 19 March to submit bids for the construction package. The previous submission date was 20 February.

The second phase will comprise 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.

In June 2011, US-based Gensler was appointed as lead consultant for the second and third phases on the Msheireb scheme.

The developer recently extended the submission date for the phase 1c construction package to 12 March. The phase 1c package will include the construction of residential apartments, office buildings and a school.

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 station for Doha’s proposed metro system.

The client, Msheireb Properties, was previously known as Dohaland and is part of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science & Community Development.