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Saudi Arabia’s Sports Boulevard Foundation plans to collaborate with contractors for the iconic buildings that are part of the world’s longest park stretching across the centre of Riyadh.

“There are still many infrastructure and iconic building projects in the design stage, and we will be seeking great construction partners to join us on a collaborative basis on this great journey,” said Tony Aikenhead, chief development officer of the Sports Boulevard Foundation, at MEED’s Saudi Giga Projects conference in Riyadh on 5 June.

Iconic destinations planned for the development include the Sands Sports Park, Amphitheatres, the Centre for Cinematic Arts, the Arts District, the Discovery Park, Wadi Ajyasen and the Global Sports Tower.

The large-scale project aims to turn the cityscape of central Riyadh, which today is dominated by major highways, into a recreational area.

“It is truly a transformational project, which will become the world’s longest park at over 135 kilometres in length and will help to deliver on the objectives of Vision 2030. Sports Boulevard runs across Riyadh from east to west. That’s where the complexity comes in because it’s right through the centre of Riyadh along the service corridor,” said Aikenhead.

The project will be spread across different districts within the park. “The Boulevard will be split into street districts to maximise the unique features and attractions the city offers,” he said. “Each district will deliver a different destination and a different array of opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

“We are making good early progress in the delivery of these districts. Construction has already begun in the Wadi Hanifa district on the site of the bridge, the arts district and the promenade. We have also started work on the Prince Turki and King Abdulaziz underpasses,” said Aikenhead.