Projects

Project Name
The Lakes District: Integrated Development Plan

Client
Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

In partnership with the ADA, Happold Consulting identified the Lakes District site as a valuable open space resource for the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh.  Situated 30km outside of the city, the site is an important area for the Riyadh community as it comprises the dramatic Tuwaiq escarpment and the Al Ha’ir Lakes, an internationally renowned wetland habitat.

Happold Consulting were appointed to create a strategic plan for the 5,142 hectare area; to enhance the site’s long term development potential and rejuvenate the sensitive wetland habitat. Based upon a thorough understanding of the site’s opportunities and city-wide needs, Happold Consulting delivered an Integrated Development Plan for a leisure and recreational destination at the site. Central to project success was Happold Consulting’s process of integrating financial viability, strategic vision and practical engineering solutions, with realistic implementation and operation mechanisms. 

The plan complements the city’s growth agenda; attracting private sector partnership to regenerate the area, creating employment opportunities and generating land value uplift. Crucially the plan ensures that the environmental and cultural assets of the area can evolve sustainably and remain an integral part of Riyadh’s diversity and culture.

Partners
Buro Happold Infrastructure & Environment
Happold Media
Bblur Architecture
The Wetland and Wildfowl Trust (WWT)