China firm land jazzy Jeddah Stadium project

Image: Jeddah Central and Ministry of Sport

The Jeddah Central Company has recently announced its decision to appoint the Beijing-headquartered China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) as the principal contractor for the prestigious Central Jeddah Stadium project in Saudi Arabia, boasting a seating capacity of 45,000. With construction set to commence in February, the ambitious endeavor is projected to reach completion by the year 2026.

‘ITA’ stated that the above significant development marks a milestone in the partnership between the Jeddah Central Company and the renowned China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC). Notably, the Chinese firm has previously demonstrated its capabilities by successfully executing the construction of the 88,966-capacity Lusail Stadium in Qatar, adding to its impressive portfolio of international projects.

Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)-based the Jeddah Central Development Company (JCDC) respects, preserves and proudly celebrates Jeddah’s rich heritage, distinctive culture and traditions. While it continues the tradition of authentic hospitality, the company also embraces modernity to enhance the lives of the residents and attract visitors from around the world.

The China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC) is a listed construction enterprise based in Beijing, China, that was the second largest construction and engineering company in the world by revenue in 2014.

Image: Jeddah Central and Ministry of Sport

The Jeddah Central Stadium will be a soccer-specific venue. It will meet all FIFA criteria and the design will blend both tradition and the futuristic trends.

The selection of the China Railway Construction Corporation Limited as the main contractor underscores the commitment to delivering a world-class stadium that aligns with modern architectural and engineering standards. The Central Jeddah Stadium is anticipated to become a hub for sporting events, cultural activities and entertainment, catering to a diverse range of audiences.

As construction gears up to kick off in February, the stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the transformation of the proposed plans into a tangible and iconic structure. The stadium’s design and features are expected to reflect the collaborative vision of the Jeddah Central Company and the expertise brought by the China Railway Construction Corporation Limited.

The 45,000-seat capacity of the Central Jeddah Stadium positions it as a significant venue, capable of hosting various events, including sports competitions, concerts and community gatherings. This multipurpose facility is poised to contribute not only to the sports landscape of Jeddah but also to the overall development and vitality of the City.

Image: Jeddah Central and Ministry of Sport

With the China Railway Construction Corporation Limited at the helm of construction, the project is likely to benefit from the company’s experience, efficiency and innovative construction techniques. The completion target of 2026 sets a timeline for the stakeholders and the public to witness the rapid progress and eventual realization of this architectural marvel.

The Central Jeddah Stadium project, led by the collaboration between the Jeddah Central Company and the China Railway Construction Corporation Limited, holds promise for the City’s future as a hub for major events and gatherings. As the construction phase unfolds, the residents and enthusiasts alike can look forward to the emergence of a state-of-the-art facility that embodies the spirit of modern architecture and engineering excellence.

‘ITA’ further stated that the CRCC will be supported by the contractor Sama Construction for Trading & Contracting. The construction is expected to start in February and is scheduled to be completed by 2026.

Ad Dhubbat (Saudi Arabia)-based the Sama Construction for Trading & Contracting humble beginning was in the year 1990. Following an initial involvement in earthworks, Sama expanded and diversified throughout the Kingdom into civil construction, electrical and mechanical works, and set up asphalt and concrete plants at strategic locations. Further developing its construction business, the executives explored new opportunities and invested in profitable ventures. This methodology had been the primary driver of strategic organizational development. The company has come a long way since and plan to continue marching towards new frontiers to the best of its abilities.

Image: Jeddah Central and Ministry of Sport

The design contract was awarded to the German architectural firm gmp International in 2022. Khatib & Alami won the engineering contract. The other packages contractors have submitted bids for are the opera house, the museum, the oceanarium and coral farm, and infrastructure works.

Hamburg (Germany)-based the gmp International provides professional architectural services. The company offers planning, design, project management, implementation, consulting, and related services and serves customers worldwide.

Singapore-based Khatib & Alami (K&A) is a multidisciplinary design consultancy which operates primarily across the Middle East and Africa, Levant, Central and South-East Asia, and Europe. Established more than five decades ago by two university professors, everything they do is based on the principles of professional excellence, integrity and social responsibility. The firm has worked on some of the world’s most challenging projects, from iconic buildings and transformational masterplans to record-breaking rail networks and life-critical water supplies.

In January, the JCDC was preparing to award the contract for five construction packages of its Jeddah Central project in Saudi Arabia by the end of the month. The main contract bids for the packages were submitted in November 2023. The JCDC said in June 2022 that the US-based SOM had been appointed as the architect for the oceanarium and coral farm building at the Jeddah Central project. The oceanarium and coral farm will feature underwater exhibits and aim to position Jeddah and Saudi Arabia as leaders in marine conservation.

New York (US)-based Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is known for creating some of the world’s most technically and environmentally-advanced designs, and is leveraging its collective expertise to build a better future for the people, the Cities and the planet.

Image: Jeddah Central and Ministry of Sport

Dubai (UAE)-headquartered Dar al-Handasah secured the master plan design contract linked to the project’s first phase in 2022. For construction work, the local Modern Building Leaders (MBL) was awarded a contract in May 2022 to deliver infrastructure and marine works and demolish about 400 buildings. The JCDC invited selected firms to submit bids by the end of August 2023 for a contract to provide project management consultancy (PMC) services for the $20.4bn Jeddah Central Stadium project.

The Jeddah Central Stadium is being developed on a 5.7 square-kilometer site and will comprise 17,000 residential units and 2,700 hotel keys, an opera house, a museum, a sports stadium, and an oceanarium. It will have six districts, named Central, Marina, Beach, Sports Park, Cultural and Creativity, and Wellness.

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