Habtoor Leighton wins $290m Qatar project deal

Habtoor Leighton Group (HLG) has been awarded a QR1.06bn ($290m) contract for a mixed-use shopping mall and office project in Doha, Qatar. The project represents the first phase of the North Gate mixed-use development and construction is set to start immediately, the company said in a statement. The project, which comprises a total built-up area of around 375,000 sq m, with a podium comprising two levels of carpark, a three-level mall and six, five-level office buildings, is due for completion in March 2014. The North Gate Mall also includes a number of unique spaces including the Crystal Garden, Market Street indoor/outdoor dining precinct, and Shamal Hall with its unique architectural features. The development will be serviced by 4,000 underground car parks. Laurie Voyer, HLG CEO and managing director, said the new project further illustrated the potential of the Qatar market for the company. “Qatar is a very important market for HLG,” he said.“We’re seeing major opportunities across all our market sectors as the country continues its rapid development, and this is just one example of the type of work we are pursuing. “We’re targeting a number of large-scale infrastructure and building projects in the country – such as the new Doha Metro and Lusail Expressway - and we see Qatar as one of our key markets going forward.\" The Habtoor Group is a holding company for businesses ranging from construction, hospitality, automotive and real estate, run by Habtoor. In 2007, Habtoor sold a 45 percent stake to Australia’s Leighton Holding for $707m.