Is that plot between the mosque and Le Grey and what i think is WHITE under construction!? What is it?

^^The area under construction between the mosque and Le Gray is the Beirut Gardens project. Where you see the tent right by the mosque is the Rafic Hariri memorial and where he and his security guards who were killed are buried.

^^The area under construction between the mosque and Le Gray is the Beirut Gardens project. Where you see the tent right by the mosque is the Rafic Hariri memorial and where he and his security guards who were killed are buried.

Actually, Beirut Gardens is the plot in between the Virgin Megastore and the Hariri burial site. I think he was referring to what will be the Garden of Forgiveness, which is still on hold.

Actually, Beirut Gardens is the plot in between the Virgin Megastore and the Hariri burial site.

Yes, this is the site I'm talking about.

^^The area under construction between the mosque and Le Gray is the Beirut Gardens project. Where you see the tent right by the mosque is the Rafic Hariri memorial and where he and his security guards who were killed are buried.

Oh, i know the tent, i went there.. I sorta thought it was temporary or something, dunno, guess i didn't think about it much.. But seems a bit silly/wrong (no offence to anyone) to have that location be a burial ground, with a permanent tent..!

Thnx for the info..

^^ the tent is not permanent...the burial will be transformed into some sort of a memorial ...i think it will be sort of an extension to the Garden of Forgiveness

Oh, i know the tent, i went there.. I sorta thought it was temporary or something, dunno, guess i didn't think about it much.. But seems a bit silly/wrong (no offence to anyone) to have that location be a burial ground, with a permanent tent..!

Thnx for the info..

As MARTYR said, the tent is just temporary. Here is a new rendering Solidere posted for the Hariri burial ground:

http://www.solidere.com/devs/uploads/hi/1525-Marfaa.jpg

Excelent concept , better than those metal facades - very stylish and very fit as a final resting place for Lebanon's no'1 man. but where exactly is the burying place for him and the other 20 (i think )

It is also very much in line with Islamic Tradition! The reflecting pool will be a very nice added feature to both the square and the mosque alike! It also highlights the chaotic state of the ruins, and makes contrasting elements; that of order juxtaposed with disorder!

^^Indeed, nicely put !

But does anyone what is the tent north to the pool is for ( in bottom right of th photo ) ??

It is also very much in line with Islamic Tradition! The reflecting pool will be a very nice added feature to both the square and the mosque alike! It also highlights the chaotic state of the ruins, and makes contrasting elements; that of order juxtaposed with disorder!


What "chaotic state of the ruins"? This rendering is not for the Garden of Forgiveness, which when oficially designed will look MUCH more organized.

It is sort of odd to see the bushes in the ruin included in that rendering next to the mosque. What they should do in the future possibly is to grow short type grass and keep that area deweeded where it doesn't become an eyesore.

^^ It will look something like this:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/rhmud/7f3c237b.jpg

plus, the memorial will be sort of a gateway from Martyrs Square into the Garden of Forgiveness !!

i remember seeing somewhere on the Solidere website something about the Hariri Library which will be directly on Martyrs Square, east of the statue...does anybody have any info on that ???

^^ That's the first I heard of it but that would be an amazing addition to the square, those eastern plots are still unaccounted for.

well i noticed it on some link hassoun posted a while ago...
The east martyrs square plots will house the Library, The Foreign Affairs ministry and some project that was labeled "Saifi Modern Towers"

The library will be on the site of the Ottoman era police station, a damaged building that originally was going to be rebuilt (does anyone have pictures?). In a historicist 'swap,' to make up for the decision not to go ahead with the promised reconstruction of the police station, it was decided that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building should be designed on the lines of the Petit Serail.

^^ It will look something like this:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/rhmud/7f3c237b.jpg

Have you heard anything about when they'll start work on it again?

I wrote the landscape architects, but even after replying to what was a virtual interrogation as to my identity and motives for asking, the only reply I got was a vague statement somewhat along the lines of 'x,y,and z are committed to the Garden of Forgiveness...'

I've also written Solidere, but they haven't answered.

I wonder if the delay is due to waiting for the Beirut Gardens building and the Hariri burial plot to be finished. I hope it's nothing more than that.

Kuwait’s rebuilding of Lebanon



By Executive Staff

Kuwaiti fund plans to build Beirut museum along with other projects
The Kuwait Fund for the Arab Economic Development (KFAED) is planning to build the ‘Beirut Historical Museum’ in the Central District of the Lebanese capital, according to Mohammed Sadeki, a representative of KFAED, as quoted in An Nahar. The museum, valued at $30 million, will be built on a 9,000 square meter area with costs covered by a grant from the Kuwaiti government.

Gillespies wins major Beirut public realm project
11 May 2010 | By Will Hurst

Landscape and urban design firm Gillespies has won an international design competition to rejuvenate Beirut’s Roman Baths.

The Baths, located close to the city centre, are one of Lebanon’s most valuable archaeological sites. They are being developed by Lebanese company Solidere, which wants the site to become an important visitor centre and large-scale concert venue surrounded by terraced gardens.

Gillespies beat competition from two French practices and an American firm to land the job, which also includes revamping the nearby Omar Daouk space.

The jury that selected the winning designs, which included experts in town planning, landscape design, and archaeology, said Gillespies’ scheme was “very respectful” to the character of the Roman Baths site.

Gillespies associate Armel Mourgue said that the practice’s key objectives were to improve accessibility and preserve the historic remains.

“The archaeology itself is recessed from the public realm,” he said. “It is almost like a well in that the public can view the archaeology from above on a series of platforms which take you round in a loop.”

The Baths are one of the four main historic sites set to be connected via a 5,000m-long pedestrian heritage trail.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/Htlebmn/Bath1.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/Htlebmn/Bath2.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/Htlebmn/Bath3.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/Htlebmn/Bath4.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/Htlebmn/Bath5.jpg


http://www.bdonline.co.uk/gillespies-wins-major-beirut-public-realm-project/5000059.article

Cabinet Approves Parking Lot beneath Martyrs Square

http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/0/e5b3ab91ca87df4fc225774c002ae279/Body/0.82?OpenElement&FieldElemFormat=jpg

Cabinet has finally moved toward resolving the issue of parking by approving an underground parking lot beneath Martyrs Square in downtown Beirut.
The approval of the proposal made by Interior Minister Ziad Baroud was announced at the end of a Cabinet meeting held under President Michel Suleiman at Baabda Palace on Wednesday.

Baroud's request calls on the Council for Development and Reconstruction to prepare and tender documents for the construction of the parking lot.

Al-Mustaqbal newspaper on Thursday said the project was a "dream come true" for the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

Beirut, 24 Jun 10, 10:25

http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/0/E5B3AB91CA87DF4FC225774C002AE279?OpenDocument

^^ i am sure they will find lots of ruins there,and they are going to destroy them as usual.

won't this speed up the construction of the square ?????

^^ The opposite. They cant start construction/landscaping until the garage is complete.

^^ The opposite. They cant start construction/landscaping until the garage is complete.

Absolutly, this underground lot is the key element before the "Martyrs Square Grand Axis" design project starts. I think some prepatory work was completed already. I also think the site was already tested for ruins, but i am confident all eyes will be on it given the extremely sensitive location. We shall see ..but i think this is a great step forward in the development of the area.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=633432

k_giQvzcqr0

Anything exciting from that video you can share? or just we are having a new lot blah blah its near the Mosque and annahar blah blah blah :)

^^ iza za3ajak chilo (aw chouto) :bash:

^^ iza za3ajak chilo (aw chouto) :bash:

? LOL i never understand when you guys write like that (english letters)- and my arabic is limited..Just know the important words- you know like masari, Sharm***** etc... :lol:

^^lool it's a Ghassan Rahbani's song wich means: if this bothers you just delete it/remove it/hit it/...... :) sorry...(and please show some respect to Shramit=plural of Sharmouta :) )

^^lool it's a Ghassan Rahbani's song wich means: if this bothers you just delete it/remove it/hit it/...... :) sorry...(and please show some respect to Shramit=plural of Sharmouta :) )

Doesnt bother me..its the opposite ..i want to know what i am watching because im interested:o)

^^Well he's just saying that this project was delayed because of political reasons. The plans were made since the late 90s and they have been modified in order to preserve the archeological finds.
Capacity: 2000 cars minimum.
It will be completed in 2 years.
Similar projects may be proposed in other areas of beirut.

^^Well he's just saying that this project was delayed because of political reasons. The plans were made since the late 90s and they have been modified in order to preserve the archeological finds.
Capacity: 2000 cars minimum.
It will be completed in 2 years.
Similar projects may be proposed in other areas of beirut.

Thank you!

guys is that true that if they find archeological sites they destroy them ??? i do not recall any roman ruin found in DT that was destroyed. They are all preserved in museums and in special places. Please someone reply cause i am really concerned about this issue. And it makes me furious each time i heard that ruins were destroyed just for the sake of a khaliji project.

^^All artifacts, tombs, other things that can be excavated and removed are salvaged... usually put into warehouses to later be incorporated into the project, or to be put in museums.
However.. I am all for the protection of our history, but one thing we must realize is all of Beirut, much like almost all of Lebanon is built on the remains of ancient civilizations. So, to keep every single thing is impossible. Hippodromes, temples, huge baths, small cities are vital to keep (and so far I dont think I have heard of these types of things not being kept...whatever happened to the city uncovered in Nahr el Bared btw?), but stuff like a roman backyard, or greek court or whatever which really looks like nothing but a square areas of rubble and random stones isn't as vital, in my opinion to keep. For one, they usually take up a huge part of the city, and secondly they aren't very much to look at even when using your imagination

Don't they have archaeologists on site on most projects that kind of dictate what excavations should or will be done? Or like what exactly they just uncovered?

and to add to what I said.. I would like to see some of those "non vital ruins" be transformed into parks, thats always a good way to keep something old and create something we need.

and to add to what I said.. I would like to see some of those "non vital ruins" be transformed into parks, thats always a good way to keep something old and create something we need.

Maybe they can incorporate some finds like mosaics etc in the new waterside park

Maybe they can incorporate some finds like mosaics etc in the new waterside park

did you come across any pics of these mosaic (floors I assume?)?
I love the idea, it would be ideal if they can "glass" the top of these mosaic floors, with the park surrounding it. That way the floors stay in good condition and wont get ruined with rain, and if people walk on it

did you come across any pics of these mosaic (floors I assume?)?
I love the idea, it would be ideal if they can "glass" the top of these mosaic floors, with the park surrounding it. That way the floors stay in good condition and wont get ruined with rain, and if people walk on it

I dont have any pictures. Using the new park is also cool because its in the same general area they were found in..they can maybe put a map and picture showing where

Very nice good presentation in your stories thanks for shearing me.
http://www.air-force-1s.com/
http://www.air-force-1s.com/nike-air-force-ones-high.html
http://www.air-force-1s.com/nike-air-force-ones-low.html
http://www.air-force-1s.com/nike-air-force-ones-25th.html
http://www.air-force-1s.com/tag/product/list/tagId/20/

petros.phokaides
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5164/5275721088_8d5dc6eb43_b.jpg

I'm curious as to why they are keeping the Beirut Trade Centre in their master plan if we have yet to hear anything about it!

^^ Because it looks nicer than the Murr tower (in ruins) and technically nothing else is announced for that lot so it's just a place-holder.

petros.phokaides
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5164/5275721088_8d5dc6eb43_b.jpg





Yiii I love the little Armenian church in the pic ,thanks for sharing

^^ Landmark's mall looking very elegant.

^^ Landmark's mall looking very elegant.

Yea, but the high rise part of it looks awful in my opinion...it has nothing to do with its surroundings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26difahbogU
look at this its crazy stuff... i had no idea where to put it.. but its amazing..

^^nice find... Hassoun brought it up in the Green lebanon thread that MTV covered its renders..


http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=70157137#post70157137

The coolest part is that circular restaurant cafe area in the end of it where the sea is.. soo beautiful

some1 please tell me this thing is real !!!!!!!!!!! this is by far by farrrrrrrrrrr the most stunning project i have ever seen for Lebanon... please make it real

i wish its gorgeous ! one problem is the port expansion..there is talk of possibly, way dwn the road, going past the river..so that round island would be in the way..but really nice!

Such an amazing project, can anyone confirm that this is real?

^^ I've seen it on MTV like 2 or 3 weeks ago,and this is the Green party project for the area. so the plan is real.

^^ I've seen it on MTV like 2 or 3 weeks ago,and this is the Green party project for the area. so the plan is real.

My sis worked ( stage) with Erga this summer, and they're the architects of the project. She told me this is only a "projet d'urbanisme", so no one knows if it will be done or not. On a side note, is the Green Party "powerful" in Leb? If they're not, i doubt they could do such a large scale project in the capital... But let's stay optimistic :)

As far as I know... the ministry of environment wants to support the Green Parties endeavor bes... because this river project passes through different neighbourhoods.. those respective mayors need to "back" it... It is basically becoming politically entwined 3al bala ta3me..

Because the reality is the feasibility studies are almost done (I saw an update somewhere on that).. just to initiate the project will take a while because it is a difficult project but also the whole political mess


And as for the Green Party's power... they have power with the masses I would say... Most initiatives across the country and even social initiatives across the country not related to the environment are powered by them.... They are known on ground level for always creating positive changes. So in that sense I consider them powerful, because they have supporters who saw what they can manage without much government support.

According to what i've heard.. they are starting next year... but again this could just be a rumor...

http://www.dalatinohra.com/photo/83940SB9.jpg

I came across a book yesterday which had previous proposed plans for the restoration of the BCD, in addition to a proposed railways/metro project.

Book's name:
Beirut reborn
the restoration and development of the Central District
Angus Gavin, Ramez Maluf.
Published 1996

(1992)
http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/1038/29012011600.jpg

(1992)
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/1748/29012011603.jpg
http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/7642/29012011602.jpg

I assume this was the approved plan/ which is u/c now
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/8634/29012011606.jpg
http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/6779/29012011607.jpg

Rail/Metro Line :banana:
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/3015/29012011608.jpg

YEAY METRRRRRRRRRRRROOO

Fascinating! Thanks for sharing, Rabih!

YEAY METRRRRRRRRRRRROOO
^^ I would love to hear the trilingual announcements on that.

Found this in the latest quarterly just out today:

Solidere selected Peter Marino
Architect (US) for Block 46-08 Mina
El Hosn mixed-use development

I found this...Sounds Awesome!!!!!!!!! :

He is crossing his fingers for a positive outcome this month for a project in Beirut with “the largest cantilever in the world, the most graceful, poetic thing.”

I found these renders on flickr (by Ivan Rossello).
The towers replacing the Phoenician Village are pretty cool...
Anyone familiar with these renders??

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/2966/584640785851aa7ba078b.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/137/584640785851aa7ba078b.jpg/)


http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/649/5846407694929fa086fdb.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/819/5846407694929fa086fdb.jpg/)


http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/9773/58464075683aac99994eb.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/801/58464075683aac99994eb.jpg/)

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/1976/5845853273db2ca6d063b.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/685/5845853273db2ca6d063b.jpg/)

^^

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/6342/58464073821bd5209b42b.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/696/58464073821bd5209b42b.jpg/)

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/5968/58458531373a2c94c227b.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/820/58458531373a2c94c227b.jpg/)

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/8721/58464061600fddfef562b.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/849/58464061600fddfef562b.jpg/)

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/3336/58464067749abac5f463b.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/850/58464067749abac5f463b.jpg/)

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/5673/5846406358030e065bc7b.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/35/5846406358030e065bc7b.jpg/)

are u for real ???? is this real :D

^^ These look like they were submitted for design competition several years ago before the Phoenician Village was even announced. If this was recent, they wouldnt have used images from 2004 when the mosque was still under construction.

^^ yes just look at the renders including Mohammed Al Amin mosque when it was still under construction.i'd say these renders go back to 2004

^^ yes just look at the renders including Mohammed Al Amin mosque when it was still under construction.i'd say these renders go back to 2004

good eye

I got news that the southern part of Grand Theatre is being demolished today. Solidere will transform the theater into a boutique hotel but the performance stage will stay.

courtesy of Save Beirut Heritage


http://i53.tinypic.com/30mpj7k.jpg

Sneaking into the Grand Theatre: http://www.beirutreport.com/2009/10/sneaking-into-grand-theatre.html

(a couple of pictures were credited by our forumers)

I got news that the southern part of Grand Theatre is being demolished today. Solidere will transform the theater into a boutique hotel but the performance stage will stay.

courtesy of Save Beirut Heritage


http://i53.tinypic.com/30mpj7k.jpg

Sneaking into the Grand Theatre: http://www.beirutreport.com/2009/10/sneaking-into-grand-theatre.html

(a couple of pictures were credited by our forumers)

The egg also:(

^^ u mean the bubble??

The egg also:(

:happy:

Solidere denies demolition of Beirut's 'egg'

July 27, 2011 07:56 PM (Last updated: July 27, 2011 08:08 PM) By Olivia Alabaster (http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Olivia-Alabaster.ashx), Emma Gatten (http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Emma-Gatten.ashx)
The Daily Star

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/dailystar/Pictures/2011/07/27/egg_634473929416519769_main.jpg


BEIRUT: Initial reports that the city center’s iconic “egg” building was to be demolished turned out to be false Wednesday, as heritage activists demanded better communication from developers on the future of the city center.

A campaign was launched Wednesday morning after the Save Beirut Heritage group said that the “egg” was to be demolished in the coming days, citing anonymous sources within Solidere, a private development company responsible for the reconstruction of Beirut’s city center.
However Solidere then denied the rumors.
Amira Solh, from the urban planning department at Solidere, said: “Solidere is against the demolition of the Dome and design is under way to integrate the Dome in the new design … with an attempt to create a cultural use for it.”

The egg or “bubble” was built in 1966 by modernist Lebanese architect Joseph Philip Karam and has gained an iconic status on the city’s landscape for its quirky and distinct shape and the fact that it remains perhaps the last pre-war structure within the Martyr’s Square center.

Giorgio Tarraf, of Save Beirut Heritage, was pleased with the response but demanded better communication from the city center’s developers in the future, and an explicit commitment to preserve the egg, originally known as the Beirut City Center, in Solidere’s next annual report.

Karl Sharro, a Lebanese-Iraqi architect based in London, author of “Manifesto: Towards a New Humanism in Architecture,” said that there was definitely an issue of miscommunication surrounding the work that Solidere are doing.

“I know it’s a private company, but it started with a public remit as it was started by the government … It needs to be more transparent. They need to communicate to the public and the press what is happening.”
“This doesn’t reflect well on them even though I do believe a lot of the work that they do is positive.”
However, Sharro also said there was an issue with the origin of such rumors themselves.

“I think Save Beirut Heritage are being intentionally malicious and putting rumors out there. They are using a very emotive argument instead of using a more rational argument … which I don’t think makes for a very constructive debate.”
It was also worth remembering, Sharro said, that “when the egg was built it was very modernist and many even older buildings were destroyed to build it and people were not happy about that then. But then people grew to love it. It is part of the process of change.”

Apparently works on the Grand Theatre have not started yet and it was another rumour. Something is fishy, there is a huge miscommunication between Save Beirut Heritage and Solidere.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6009/5980981648_359a1bf496_z.jpg

traffic is now opened from Park Avenue all the way to corniche of the reclaimed land!

^^ looking hot!!!!

Launching of Uruguay Street the New Pedestrian Nightlife Spot!

Hands down one of the most magnificent rebuilt areas in Lebanon is its Downtown. People from around the world visit Beirut’s downtown to shop, dine, and relax in a perfectly chic atmosphere. The area was rebuilt and modernized but at the same time kept its traditional old town Beirut feel. Being that Beirut is a hotspot for tourism, not to mention its inhabitants are constantly out on the town, new leisure destinations are constantly being developed.
This Thursday September 8th a new pedestrian nightlife spot bursting with trendy pubs and restaurants was introduced in Downtown Beirut. This novel hot spot dubbed Uruguay Street is located directly behind the Samir Kassir Square. Uruguay Street holds bistro bars such as the modish Cassis and unique spots like the Tinto Tapas Bar. The event held to celebrate the Uruguay Street launch included a live band entertaining guests, mixology bars serving up cocktails by sponsor Perrier and numerous fresh places to see. BNL is happy to have new grounds to explore. See you all in Downtown!

New spots to check out on Uruguay Street: Cassis, Tinto, Classic Burger, Zucca, The Bronx, La Sandwicherie, Julipe’s and Patricks

Don’t forget the opening festivites continue tonight Sept. 9th at Uruguay Street!!

http://www.beirutnightlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/uruguay_street_downtown_opening_samir_kassir_square_22.jpeg

http://www.beirutnightlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/uruguay_street_downtown_opening_samir_kassir_square_38.jpeg

link: http://www.beirutnightlife.com/nightlife/launching-uruguay-street-pedestrian-nightlife-spot/

Designs of Khan Antoun Bey Square by winner of he competition PROAP from Portugal
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac95/boudi_70/beirute_02.jpg
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac95/boudi_70/beirute_01.jpg
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac95/boudi_70/beirute_04.jpg
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac95/boudi_70/beirute_06.jpg
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac95/boudi_70/beirute_05.jpg
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac95/boudi_70/beirute_03.jpg
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac95/boudi_70/beirute_07.jpg
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac95/boudi_70/beirute_08.jpg
http://www.proap.pt/site/L_por/projectos/beirute_d.html

Launching of Uruguay Street the New Pedestrian Nightlife Spot!

Sounds exciting, but as always with Solidere I'm afraid it will fall short of being tacky, enforced and not for Beirutis

http://www.archaeology.org/1107/features/beirut_lebanon_urban_archaeology.html

Apparently an is skating rink opened today in DT Beirut

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6622143885_0d40c420ab_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindslurd/6622143885/)
ice skating in beirut? (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindslurd/6622143885/) by Lindsay_NYC (http://www.flickr.com/people/lindslurd/), on Flickr

WHERE?!!!

This holiday season, enjoy a thrilling new experience and ice skate in the heart of Beirut.

For the first time of its kind in Lebanon with music and an enchanting scenery, glide and have a blast on the ice rink with the option of taking a break and enjoying offers of food, drink and sweets in nearby kiosks around the arena.

Those who do not wish to skate may simply kick back, chill and watch skaters from the terraces of cafés and restaurants in Beirut Souks. With something like this, you just can't go wrong.

Address
Trablos Str, Ajami Square, Beirut Souks
Area Downtown
City Beirut
Times 12noon-12mid
Fee LL20,000

Source: http://www.timeoutbeirut.com/thingstodo/article/8024/beirut-on-ice.html

http://favicon.daylife.com/imageserve/08tlf4ggBr888/favicon.png Reuters Pictures

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/05bx46s6vBf9T/610x.jpg



People on an ice skating rink are seen through a hole of a building that was damaged during the Civil War of 1975-1990 in downtown Beirut January 29, 2012.

Any information about the 'shoreline walk' mentioned in the latest quarterly report? its interesting but i don't understand the connections they drew between the parks

Any information about the 'shoreline walk' mentioned in the latest quarterly report? its interesting but i don't understand the connections they drew between the parks

It follows the original path of where the shoreline used to be before the land reclamation project. Here is a better map:

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae152/lebz06/126SWB_Shoreline_Walk_Beirut_N14_high.jpg

Solidere banks on fiber optics network upgrade
February 17, 2012 01:44 AM
The Daily Star


BEIRUT: Solidere is pinning hopes on an ultrafast 100 megabyte-per-second fiber optics network to help transform Beirut’s central district into a technology hub, the firm said Thursday.

The real estate giant aims to provide businesses and residences with cutting-edge work and entertainment experiences through a state-of-the-art fiber to the building (FTTB) network featuring a dual high capacity broadband and Internet Protocol television connection.

According to Solidere, the network would allow services ranging from customizable high-definition television to advanced home automation in addition to reliable and fast Internet connections.

While the network was constructed earlier, its full utilization has only been possible now thanks to Lebanon’s recent Internet upgrade, said speakers at the opening of “Smart Connected Life in the Beirut Central District.”

Launching the network, the event featured potential applications including conference calling, remote-control appliances and energy management.

Solidere general manager Mounir Douaidy was upbeat about the prospects of the network for deploying various advanced technologies, which he said were key to boosting the central district.

The technologies will contribute in simplifying business and encouraging investments in the information technology sector.

Douaidy revealed that an advanced cloud service, offering secure data backup, would soon be available for firms based in the central district. The new service would be offered by Microsoft.

Fadi Mubarak, general manager of CISCO Systems-Lebanon, a partner in the project, emphasized the importance of the network for the city center’s development. “It is no secret that fiber affordable broadband is the future and has proved itself as the technology of choice to transform how we live, learn, work and play,” he said.

OGERO, the public land line and Internet provider, has an estimated 1,800 km of fiber optics cables covering parts of the country.

A project expanding the fiber optics network is currently under way and is set to be finalized in two years. The project is expected to expand OGERO’s fiber network to cover all of Lebanon.

Most Internet users still report that they are unable to benefit from the full Internet capacities stipulated in their ADSL contracts. Experts say this is due to congestion on Lebanon’s international Internet links and the still-unfinished fiber optics network.

The government issued a decree in 1998 allowing Solidere, a private development company responsible for the reconstruction of Beirut’s city center, to establish an independent Internet network.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Daily Star on February 17, 2012, on page 5.

Read more: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Business/Lebanon/2012/Feb-17/163582-solidere-banks-on-fiber-optics-network-upgrade.ashx#ixzz1mbwjonM1
(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)

Ive been dreading this for 10 years...needed? yes Location? sensitive

Groundbreaking for parking lots this year
February 22, 2012 02:10 AM
By Wassim Mroueh
The Daily Star

BEIRUT: Construction to build an underground parking lot to accommodate up to 2,000 cars is set to begin later this year, in a project designed to ease parking headaches and improve the appearance of Downtown Beirut.

The construction of an underground parking lot in the capital’s Martyrs Square is expected to kick off in late 2012, Beirut Mayor Bilal Hamad told The Daily Star Tuesday.

The move comes after the Beirut Municipality decided last week to task the Council of Development and Reconstruction with supervising the tender-bidding process, contract awarding and execution of work.

“Work will start before the end of this year. Once finished, the parking space will accommodate between 1,500 and 2,000 cars,” Hamad said, adding that a Build, Operate and Transfer contract would be signed by the company selected to carry out the project. Under the BOT contract, a company will build and operate the facility – earning revenue – before the municipality assumes ownership.

Hamad said that studies for the project are almost done, adding that, if all goes to plan, the tender-bidding process would be held in late spring.

One of “the most beautiful gardens” will be created in Martyrs Square once the underground parking space is built, the mayor added.

“Its design will be prepared by one of the most prominent landscape designers, who has worked with SOLIDERE,” said Hamad, in reference to the company that reconstructed Downtown Beirut following the 1975-1990 Civil War.

The project is designed to address the mounting demand for parking lots in Beirut. The recent real estate boom in Lebanon, particularly in the capital, has left little room for parking lots but the municipality has selected several places to construct parking buildings as well as underground parking lots.

The municipal council also approved a preliminary study last week to construct an underground parking lot in the neighborhood of Ain al-Mreisseh.

“We approved one of four concept designs that were proposed. It will be an [underground] two-story parking lot with a parking space of 20,000 square meters and capacity to accommodate 680 cars,” Hamad said, adding that work for the project should also begin this year.

Separately, the municipal council is to prepare a set of criteria used to select a company that will conduct a study on the establishment of produce market for retail sellers. A company will be selected two to three months after the criteria are set.

Hamad said that the 7,000 square meter market will be established between the roundabouts of Tayyouneh and Shatila, and would provide a place for fruit and vegetable sellers in Beirut, who do not currently have such a market.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Daily Star on February 22, 2012, on page 4.

Read more: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Local-News/2012/Feb-22/164164-groundbreaking-for-parking-lots-this-year.ashx#ixzz1n4Z2phWq
(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)

^^ Any info on the potential harm to archaeological sites?

IDAL offers incentives to $208-mln hotel
March 17, 2012 01:41 AM
The Daily Star


BEIRUT: The Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL) on Friday handed out another incentive package to a $208-million five star hotel which will create 250 direct jobs.

The chairman of IDAL Nabil Itani gave the 10-year incentive package deal to the general manager of Al Bashoura Company Sabah Barakat, which owns the new hotel.

“This project will join a series of other projects which IDAL handles and supports. This new hotel will be giving another boost to the tourism sector in Lebanon,” Itani said in a statement to the press.

Itani told The Daily Star earlier that IDAL will consider offer incentives packages to more than $1 billion worth of projects this year.

He added that tourism contributes to 10 percent of the country’s GDP, one of the highest ratios in the region.

Itani stressed that 9.5 percent of the total workforce in Lebanon is employed by the tourism sector.

“Tourism is expected to achieve growth of 4.5 percent in 2012,” he said.

The luxury hotel, to be located in Downtown Beirut, will have 153 rooms, 62 suites and 35 furnished apartments.

In addition, the hotel will boast restaurants, coffee shops, conference halls and a swimming pool.

According to the agreement, the hotel will be exempted from paying income tax for the next 10 years, and construction fees will be cut by 50 percent.

The Package Deal Contract (PDC) is an IDAL incentive program through which investment projects are granted a package of incentives, exemptions and reductions.

Incentives granted under the PDC scheme are a function of the project investment size and the number of jobs created, IDAL’s website says.

Foreign Direct Investment in Lebanon fell in 2011 due to the political crisis in the country and the turmoil in neighboring Syria.

Most development projects in Lebanon have centered on real estate and hotels, prompting some economists to warn that such projects do not create jobs in the market.

Itani said earlier that IDAL is encouraging companies to invest in technology, industry and ago food industries in rural areas.

But despite these efforts by IDAL, most investments remain geared toward tourism and real estate.

Itani said that most of new investments are coming from Lebanese expatriates, especially those who are based in Africa and the rich Arab Gulf states.

Last week, IDAL offered an incentives package to a $12.4-million pharmaceutical plant. According to a statement issued by the authority, the step will extend a 10-year tax break to Algorithm S.A.L.

Moreover, the incentives deal will slash various government duties to be paid by the company, including land registration fees, taxes on dividends and construction permit costs.

Itani expressed optimism about the prospects of the country’s pharmaceutical industry, saying the sector is becoming increasingly lucrative for local and foreign investors. He said the factory would contribute significantly into increasing the sector’s exports to Arab and international markets.

Algorithm currently operates a factory in Zouk Mosbeh and plans to construct a new industrial plant in Zekrit in the Keserwan area. The new factory is expected to create 100 jobs.

Building a Technology Park in Beirut Central District

Solidere, one of Lebanon's leading public companies responsible for the development and management of downtown Beirut, is investigating the establishment of a technology park in Beirut's central district to serve and support local tech startups.

The park under consideration would provide entrepreneurs with the most up-to-date office and meeting facilities to foster collaboration, innovation and networking.

Solidere will be holding a focus group at the ArabNet Digital Summit on March 29 - Forum Day 1 - at 6:00 pm and would like to invite entrepreneurs to participate in a specialized session aimed at better understanding the priorities and needs of tech startups.

Solidere's General Manager, Mounir Douaidy, will lead the session, which will outline the main priorities for entrepreneurs building new businesses and focus on the main services and support that they need.

Solidere is looking to build a relationship with the entrepreneurs attending the focus group, and intends to follow up with them after the session, as it further develops it's plans for the tech hub.

This is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs - the Solidere infrastructure is unparalleled, with some of the fastest internet connectivity around, and top global tech companies (Microsoft, Nokia, etc) with offices in the area.

The focus group is open to all entrepreneurs, with a particular interest in those working in Lebanon. Come and share your thoughts!

https://p.twimg.com/ApKr0NKCEAAYOkX.jpg

Potential architectural idea for the technology park proposed by Solidere.

Source: arabnet.me

^^ Completely agree with this plan, but the designs are awful!