A North East architecture practice is poised to expand its presence further in the Middle East after securing a place on a prestigious property development and construction framework.
The move sees AirView Park, Woolsington-based Architects-Group appointed to Qiddiya City’s prestigious consultants’ framework.
Established by the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) to support the city’s position as the future capital of entertainment, sports and arts in Saudi Arabia, the framework – a sustainable, high-tech and inclusive development agenda – features various specialised consultancies who can deliver high quality planning, infrastructure, sustainability and operations services and work.
The framework also aligns with the country’s wider strategic initiative – Saudi Vision 2030 – which is aimed at creating a diversified economy while boosting GDP and attracting millions of visitors annually over the next few years.
The appointment is part of planned expansion in the Middle East by the practice – trading as SadlerBrown Architects-Group – in the region and comes on the back of investment in its international operations and gaining a MISA investment license from the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia.
This is a mandatory permit that allows foreign investors to establish and operate businesses within the country.
With a growing regional office in the King Abdullah Financial District of Riyadh, the Architects-Group is now set to bid for government and private sector contracts in Qiddiya City and the wider Gulf states including Dubai.
The practice, which has already designed the completed King Fahad Library and Al Wurud Metro Stations in Riyadh, is eyeing significant development opportunities with the $40 billion development of Qiddiya City including infrastructure and capital projects.
Building on its SadlerBrown registered brand experience as it goes for regional growth, managing director Tony Harmieson ([pictured below), said: “As we expand our designs into Saudi Arabia and beyond, we are motivated by the opportunities opening up in Qiddiya City for urban infrastructure and marquee development projects.
“At the Architects-Group we are excited to use our growing international reach and expertise to work on some of the world’s most ambitious projects. Working in Saudi is nothing short of inspirational.
“The sheer scale and number of potential developments within the Kingdom requires experienced international design consultants with the requisite expertise and experience. Local consultants will undoubtedly struggle to cope with the volume of developments over the next 5 – 10 years.”