A US$1.25 billion mixed-use real estate development in Lusail City is starting to take shape, with much of its exterior nearing completion.
However, developers of the Place Vendôme project said this week that it would open in 2018. Previously, they had planned a third-quarter 2017 launch.
The project also appears to have an expanded mandate.
When completed, the Parisian-inspired development will have a shopping center with up to 500 retail outlets in a 1 million square meter area.
Previously, plans were for up to 400 outlets in an 800,000 square meter space – more than double the footprint of Villaggio Mall.
Starwood hotels
In addition to shops, Place Vendôme will contain a hypermarket, entertainment zones, restaurants and two five-star luxury hotels and serviced apartments.
At a press conference yesterday, developers announced that the two hotels will be Le Meridien Lusail and The Luxury Collection Hotel.
They will be built in a collaboration between United Developers, a group of four Qatari companies, and US-based Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
Each hotel will have 250 guest rooms, and Le Meridien Lusail will also have 150 serviced apartments, United Developers said in a statement.
There will also be presidential suites, a deli cafe, swimming pools, kids’ clubs, rooftop lounges, ballrooms, a spa and a business center.
Place Vendôme’s opening will come at a time when analysts have forecast a glut of retail and entertainment venues in Qatar.
When completed, transportation options will include the Lusail expressway, the Doha Metro System (when it opens to passengers in late 2019), water taxis and limousine services.
A bike and pedestrian network is also planned.
Lusail is the ‘new Doha’
But for now, the under-development Lusail City is very much a construction site, with few amenities.
Still, Sean Kelly, Place Vendôme’s project director, said that the project’s location in Lusail will ultimately provide a strategic boost.
“Lusail is the new Doha, it is a long-term vision for the country, it aligns with the country’s 2030 vision, and we feel that the location as well as what we’ve built probably makes it a little bit unique,” he said.
You combine that with the fact were in a seaside location and it’s a very appealing environment.”
Thoughts?
