JCDC launches Jeddah Central project

Jeddah Central Development Co. (JCDC), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), initiated "Jeddah Central" featuring a sports stadium, opera house, oceanic aquariums, and an industrial museum, aiming to establish a global destination in Jeddah's heart.

Under Saudi Vision 2030's cultural aims, Jeddah Central's opera house has a 2,400-seat total in three theaters—1,500 seats in the main theater, 700 in the medium, and 200 in the training hall—built by Modern Building Leaders Co.

The main theater has 3-level flexible seating and control for space adjustment for visibility and large shows. The medium theater suits varied performances, and the training hall focuses on education with an isolated sound system.

The opera house, designed for multiple events, offers a large entrance for diverse building activities. The "Sports Stadium," made by GMP International and built by China Railway Construction Corp. Ltd. Saudi Branch and SAMA Construction for Trading and contracting, has a 45,000-seat capacity, green spaces, and an "air-conditioned" field, meeting FIFA and international criteria.

The "Oceanic Aquariums," showcasing Red Sea marine life for environmental sustainability awareness, is a Vision 2030-aligned global attraction designed by "SOM" and built by "Modern Construction Leaders." It has wings around a coral courtyard for deep-sea exploration.

Landmark designs at Jeddah Central are by "GMP International" (stadium), "SOM" (aquariums), "Henning Larsen Architects" and "Buro Happold" (opera house), and "Heatherwick Studio" (museum), with "Modern Construction Leaders" and "China Harbour Engineering Co. Ltd" for construction.

Jeddah Central features "The Central Zone," "The Marina and Yachts Area," "The Waterfront Zone," "The Sports Zone," "The Creativity and Arts Area," and "The Environment and Health Zone.

The project costs SAR 75 billion, covers 5.7 million sqm, including 17,000 homes, 2,700 hotel rooms, and aims to boost the economy by SAR 47 billion by 2030.

Recently, Jeddah Central inked four construction contracts worth SAR 12 billion for key landmarks and the first phase's infrastructure, marking a significant development in the Jeddah Central project.