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THE designers of an innovative engineering facility have this week released new images of the futuristic development which is set to make Bahrain the centre for the world’s motoring advances.
Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and MCC Project Partners (MCCPP) have announced a joint venture to develop the $3.5 billion Bahrain Centre of Excellence (BCOE).
An independently-funded project, the facility aims to become a world-class centre of innovation in the automotive engineering, motor sport and alternative energy sectors.
BCOE is designed to attract high-performance automotive manufacturers and innovative engineering companies to the island.
Such companies will have the opportunity to accelerate their product development in an environment that will offer state-of-the-art engineering and testing facilities. The companies will also benefit from business and corporate facilities and an on-site higher education teaching faculty.
The high-tech park will also have an automotive engineering focused university which will be sponsored by major international companies in conjunction with American and European universities. BCOE will provide numerous employment options in skilled labour jobs.
The initial core business will offer job opportunities from senior management to trainees, aligned with its training programmes and educational facilities.
The project is designed by the internationally acclaimed Iraqi-born architect Zaha Hadid who is the first woman to have won the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize.
Ms Hadid has worked with MCCP to design the architectural master plan. The signature buildings for the project have been designed to provide over 800,000 sqm of commercial mixed use facilities.
The business plan for BCOE has been developed and will be executed by MCCPP, a global business developer with an extensive portfolio in real estate, hospitality, automotive, innovative technology, alternative energy, education, sports and leisure.
BCOE is planned in an ideal venue in Sakhir, adjacent to BIC, which is home to the Grand Prix.
The ground-breaking ceremony of the project is scheduled for late 2008 with the first buildings being ready by the end of 2009. Officials say that the $3.5 billion construction project will be demand-led and they expect the park to be fully occupied within 3-5 years.
“I am delighted that Bahrain will be developing this campus with MCCP to create profitable business opportunities and enhance BIC’s reputation for excellence,” said Talal Al Zain, chairman of BIC.
He believes this latest project will play a crucial role in the ongoing development of Bahrain’s economy with an integrated, high-technology engineering and manufacturing sector.
