The local Msheireb Properties has extended the bid submission date for the main construction contract on phase 2 of its $5.5bn Msheireb Downtown Doha project to 23 April.

The previous submission date was 19 March. The tender deadline has been extended to allow contractors more time to work on bids.

The second phase of the real estate project 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.

The developer also recently received prequalification entries from contractors for the third phase of the mixed-use project.

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

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.

Msheireb Properties is part of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science & Community Development.