The Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) has received technical bids from nine groups for the second major construction package on its Oman convention centre project in Muscat.

Omran received the technical proposals on 3 September. The second package will involve the construction of exhibition halls, car park and energy centre.

Omran has already received bids from consultants for the contract to supervise construction work on the second construction package. The selected consultant will be tasked with supervising the construction of exhibition halls, a multi-storey car park and an energy centre.

The US’ Aecom was recently awarded an estimated $1.1m contract by Omran to provide cost management services for the construction of a 300-bed hotel at the convention centre development, which is located near Muscat International airport.

The US firm will carry out pre-contract and post-contract cost management of the hotel and associated roads and utilities. Aecom will start work on the project immediately and the hotel is scheduled for completion by the end of 2015.

Omran awarded the local Al-Awazi International a RO2.7m ($7m) contract for the site preparation and enabling works package for the convention and exhibition centre project in October last year.

In April 2010, UK-based RMJM was awarded the main consultancy contract, which involves design and engineering work for the project. Canada’s Hanscomb & Company is the quantity surveyor. US-based WATG is masterplanning the development.

The convention centre will contain a 3,200-seat theatre set over three levels, with advanced projection and acoustic systems to hold concerts and performances. The exhibition centre will contain more than 22,000 square metres of space for exhibitors, and the facility will also contain 14 meeting rooms with capacities ranging from 70-360 delegates. The development will contain four hotels in total.