MUSCAT: Plans for the redevelopment of the old terminal at Muscat International Airport open up a sprawling 50,000 sq metre site for investment in an upscale multipurpose commercial hub that will contribute to the capital city’s economic development.
Interested developers have until July 9, 2024 to submit Expressions of Interest (EoIs) to affirm their keenness to participate in a competitive process leading to the award of a contract for the redevelopment, operation and management of the old airport terminal.
Overseeing the revamp is Oman Airports Management Company (Oman Airports), an affiliate of Oman Investment Authority (OIA). A conceptual plan of the site presented to interested bidders envisions a complex of five different components, covering a gross floor area of over 50,000 sq metres that is offered up for redevelopment.
The biggest of these components is a 24,000 sq metre area that is proposed to be developed into a mixed-used commercial area featuring retail and F&B elements. A second area of around 14,000 sq metres is envisioned for redevelopment into a Business Hub that will incorporate, among other elements, a museum dedicated to the aviation sector.
Furthermore, a 20,000 sq metre open area is tipped to host an outdoor exhibition site, while an expansive parking area is proposed to be developed into a multi-story parking building. As for the area that currently houses the old Control Tower, Oman Airports has left it to the selected bidder to come up with proposals for its redevelopment.
Importantly, in light of the historical significance of the old terminal, Oman Airports has mandated that the façade of the building be retained as much as possible. Inaugurated in 1973, the old terminal has played a pivotal part in the country’s aviation history and modernization up until 2018, when the new terminal building was launched.
Furthermore, given its proximity to key landmarks connected by well-developed road networks, the redevelopment will be a prestigious addition to the city’s urban landscape. Located at the intersections of Sultan Qaboos Highway and Muscat Expressway, the project enjoys easy access to, among other landmarks, Muscat International Airport, Airport Heights, Madinat Al Irfan, Oman Convention & Exhibition Center, and a number of luxury malls and hotels. Consequently, its location will be advantageous for investors, retailers, high-end tenants and real estate developers, it is pointed out.
Additionally, under the Greater Muscat Master Plan, one of the main stations of the future Metro line is anticipated to come up virtually on the doorstep of the old airport terminal, ensuring steady traffic and footfalls to the site.
A site visit for the interested bidders is scheduled to take place on June 27, 2024.
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