 Studies
for the development and the reconstruction of the BCD havecovered four main phases:
surveys, development options, a Master Plan and a Detailed Plan. Following
a process of consultations and public participation in the project -media presentations,
debates and seminars - the urban design plan has evolved in a way that will optimize the
role of the future BCD by providing for an attractive urban setting and a balanced
distribution of activities, and by attending to environmental, historical and social
concerns.
SINCE THE APPROVAL OF THE MASTER PLAN, AND THE ELABORATION OF A PROJECT PHASING
PLAN, A NUMBER OF STUDIES HAVE BEEN UNDERTAKEN TO EXPEDITE AND UNDERPIN THE PROCESS OF
RECONSTRUCTION:
Infrastructure works began on a massive scale in November 1994.
They will cover all aspects of infrastructure in the traditional BCD and are scheduled to
be completed in three years.
Studies of the marine works pertaining to the containment and protection of the
landfill and its treatment have been completed allowing for work to proceed.
Restoration briefs have been prepared for all recuparable buildings in the BCD.
 Studies
and a preliminary design for underground parking structures for 2,000 vehicles in Martyrs'
Square and the Serail will allow construction to proceed.
In marketing, studies commissioned to measure demand for acquisition, rental or
installation in the BCD, and real estate transactions in adjacent areas, will make
possible tangible assessment of property values.
The clearing of the old Souks, which accompanied the clearing and demolition of
buildings and sites in the BCD mandated by the Master Plan, paved the way for
reconstruction of that district over an area of 60,000 square meters. These Souks will
incorporate department stores, retail outlets, supermarkets, theaters, offices, exhibition
areas, residences, and parking facilities. The total build-up surface will near 130,000
square meters.
A master plan for the area will allow construction to begin in early 1995.
 In
archeology, the preparation of storage areas for archeological findings has been
completed, allowing them to be preserved and documented. Already, a number of interesting
findings have been made, including a number of Roman and Byzantine mosaics, Phoeniian
urban settlements, vestiges of a Roman temple and medieval walls. Archeologists believe
their excavations will continue to yield significant results as the work continues.
The process of restoration and renovation of a number of buildings has
started.These include five buildings in the Allenby-Foch area, and the residence known as
Lady Cochrane's House.
Works have begun on two office buildings and two housing projects in the Saifi
area.
Work on SOLIDERE's new headquarters, with 12,000 square meters of build-up
space, has started following the naming of an architect. |
Business & 
