Australia’s Multiplex has been awarded the contract to build the estimated QR1bn ($274m) new Qatar Central Library.

The library will be built in Qatar Foundation’s Education City, located on the outskirts of Doha.

Astad, the project management arm of Qatar Petroleum (QP), received bids from at least nine contractors in August 2010. Multiplex saw off competition from at least eight other contractors to win the construction deal.

The 24-month project involves the construction of the library, excavation, piling and superstructure, as well as exterior and interior work. This will include all of the mechanical electrical and plumbing work and the provision of furniture.

This is the third public building contract Doha has awarded for its Education City development in 2011.

In May, Astad awarded Athens-based Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC) an estimated QR775m contract to build the Faculty of Islamic Studies.

The Faculty of Islamic Studies is located in the southern zone of Education City. It will include classrooms, an auditorium, exhibition space, faculty offices, a mosque and an underground car park. The project is expected to cover an area of 55,980 square metres and is scheduled for completion by August 2012.

In July, the local Midmac Contracting Company was awarded the estimated QR800m contract to build the headquarters building for Qatar Foundation at Education City (MEED 1:7:11).

QP is managing the schemes on behalf of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Social Development (QF).