After the demolition of Dubai’s World Trade Centre Hotel on April 1 and removal of 48,000 cubic meters of rubble, work on the next phase of the new World Trade Centre Residence is in full swing – and on schedule.
“We are inviting tenders from pre-qualified companies for superstructure works, external cladding and glazing, MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing), and elevator works. Construction is on schedule and we don’t foresee any delays,” said Roger Softly, Projects Manager at Turner Construction.
Swissboring won the contract in May for dewatering, excavation, removal of existing piles, earth support shoring system and piling works. The existing piles of the demolished World Trade Centre Hotel have been removed, and the installation of the earth support shoring system around the perimeter of the building is nearly finished.
Dewatering wells have been installed beyond the shoring wall and are now pumping in order to temporarily lower the water table. Dewatering of the construction zone will allow for the excavation of two basements, which will provide parking for the new luxury residential building. The podium piling will start soon, followed by work on the substructure and then the superstructure.
Other contracts up for tender are the finishes and fit-out works package, which will be issued this month.
Work on the substructure is expected to begin mid-September, and the building frame should be clearly visible above ground level in January 2006, according to Softly.
“We’re also constructing a marketing suite - a temporary building that will house our marketing and sales team, and showcase actual models of what the kitchens, bathrooms and two-storey atriums will look like. The suite will be ready in October and potential clients can visit after taking an appointment, ” said Softly.
Six advertising hoardings measuring a total of 1,085 square metres were mounted in July. The hoardings are located around the project site, and will remain there for over two years while the World Trade Centre Residence is completed.
“We are delighted with the progress of the project,” said Elaine Jones, CEO, Asteco, sales agents for the World Trade Centre Residence. “We’ve received an overwhelming response, and the hoardings have certainly helped raise the profile of this ambitious luxury development. We’re seeing interest from elite clientele from the most moneyed parts of the world, as well as from VVIP clients across the Middle East.”
The World Trade Centre Residence promises a combination of the ultimate home environment with levels of five-star luxury and service associated with the best hotels. The new luxury residential development will open in December 2007.
Based on a design concept by top architect Hazel Wong, the World Trade Centre Residence demonstrates unique synergy with the Emirates Towers hotel and office buildings and in many ways represents the residential aspect of the Emirates Towers project.
Asteco is the UAE’s largest property management company. Its services include retail, commercial and residential sales and leasing; strategic consultancy; property marketing; feasibility studies and evaluations; and research and investment. Asteco has an extensive client list in the UAE, and an impressive portfolio of properties in Europe. In the UAE, Asteco has offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Al Ain.
