Damac Properties has awarded two key contracts to kickstart the work on its site at Piazza development in Lusail, a meticulously planned urban development in Qatar, within the next few weeks.

The enabling works will be carried out by Construction Technologies after it was awarded last week. The work, which includes fencing, ground clearance, rock excavation, dewatering and shoring besides general site preparation work, is expected to last several months, said a top company official.

In addition to the start of the enabling works, Damac Properties has also announced that it has appointed the ERGA Group as its lead consultants on the Piazza development.

ERGA will over see the entire construction process including the main contractor once they are appointed later this year. Construction is expected to take around two years with completion due in 2011.

'This is a significant day for Damac Properties as work commences on site at our Piazza development,' said Hussain Sajwani, chairman of Damac Properties.

'There are always many important procedures and tasks which need to be completed behind the scenes before people see a physical presence on site but we understand that it is always important for customers to see progress of this nature,’ he added.

‘These ‘behind the scenes’ testing stages are very important to our long term plans so getting them right is critical to the successful progress of the project at later stages,’ Sajwani pointed out.

The Piazza is a modern complex with a Mediterranean style feel using colourful rendering and materials to ensure an eye-catching design.

Residents purchasing a property, which are available from studio units up to three bedrooms, can look forward to a range of amenities and services which will all be included within the development including outdoor swimming pool, jogging track and gymnasium, he explained.

In addition nearby there will be shops, cafes and health clubs for residents to enjoy plus facilities such as libraries, Government offices and medical services.

Damac Properties CEO Peter Riddoch said, 'The Fox Hills master development at Lusail has been well planned by Qatari Diar and the location of our building within that plan means that all of our residents will have great access to the facilities and good views.'

'Part of our success in Dubai has undoubtedly been the ability to identify prime locations and then deliver stylish and iconic buildings.'

'In these turbulent times location is proving an ever increasing factor in the decision making process for customers and we believe that adopting this simple but effective principle across all of our GCC locations will stand us in good stead as the market recovers,' he added.

Ziad El Charr, general manager of operations for Damac said, ‘We are firmly committed to the property market in Qatar and are therefore pleased to see the initial stages underway at one of our key sites at Lusail.’

In Dubai, Damac has already delivered more than 3,000 units into the market place and has committed to deliver a further 7,100 by the end of 2010. A total of 25 towers will have been completed by the company by the end of 2011.-TradeArabia News Service