WeBuild has won the 940 million euro tender to build a huge car park for the Diriyah historic-archaeological site, located to the north of Riyadh. Under the Vision 2030 plans, the site will become one of the kingdom’s principal tourist attractions.
Managed by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), it includes the Al Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its intricate alleyways lined with houses, mosques and fortifications. Constructed in mud brick in the classical style of the Najd region, the buildings date from second half of the 18th century. The site was the original home of the Saudi dynasty.
To enhance the archaeological site a network of luxury hotels, shopping centres with traditional-style bazaars, cultural centres and museums is being built in the surrounding area of over seven square kilometres. The area will include green leisure spaces with pedestrian and cycle routes.
The project awarded to WeBuild is a key element of the renovation and development project and will create about 9,000 jobs. Built over three levels, entirely underground, and linked by tunnels to Diriyah’s main access roads, the car park will have over 10,500 parking spaces and extend over one square kilometre. The development plans include the construction of a large mosque dedicated to King Salman above the car park.