Syrian property developer Bena Properties has awarded the UK-based Mace Group its second major project management contract in Syria.

Mace will manage the construction of a mixed-use development in Aleppo called the Taj Halab.

The development, overlooking the historical citadel, includes two hotels, a shopping mall, an office building, various food and beverage outlets, a plaza for exhibitions and events and an entertainment precinct. The project also involves the restoration of seven historical buildings.

Bena Properties is part of Syria’s Cham Holding and it plans to finish the project in 2013. It also has other projects in Damascus, Latakia and Tartus (MEED 3:5:09).

Mace began working on Bena’s Mazzeh hotel project Damascus schemes in May. The deal covers construction of a five-star hotel on the Beirut highway, 15 kilometres the centre of the capital.

The hotel will have 320 rooms and conference facilities. The project is set to be completed in the third quarter of 2011 and will be Syria’s largest hotel.