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Bab Al Bahr

Rabat, Morocco

2006 - Ongoing

Large Urban ProjectMaster PlanMixed UseWaterfront

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Project Description

Approach Words: Integrated City, Sustainability, Urban Livability

Public Policy Instruments: Financial Mechanism, Organization, Physical Intervention, Planning, Regulatory

Bab Al Bahr project is an extensive mixed-use urban development located on the waterfront of the Bouregreg River between Rabat and Salé,¹ Morocco. The Bab Al Bahr project is one of the six zones within the Bouregreg Valley Development Plan (PAS)ⁱ and represents the initial development phase for this comprehensive project.² The project aims to establish a self-sufficient seaside city, creating a direct link with the historic cities and beaches of Rabat and Salé.³ It seeks to become “the center of entertainment and leisure for the residents of both cities, as well as a significant attraction for tourists.”⁴ Bab Al Bahr features diverse facilities and public spaces that benefit neighboring districts and the entire Rabat-Salé metropolitan area.⁵

Title: Bab El Bahr project location within the Bouregreg Valley Development Plan (PAS).

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Title: Detailed Master Plan for Zone 1 “Bab El Bahr” of PAS.

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Title: Distribution of Uses Across the Designated Built Area in Bab Al Bahr Project (Zone1).

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Title: The Implemented Residential Zone of Bab Al Bahr.

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Title: Bab El Bahr project location within the Bouregreg Valley Development Plan (PAS).

Source: Click Here

Title: Detailed Master Plan for Zone 1 “Bab El Bahr” of PAS.

Source: Click Here

Title: Distribution of Uses Across the Designated Built Area in Bab Al Bahr Project (Zone1).

Source: Click Here

Title: The Implemented Residential Zone of Bab Al Bahr.

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To implement the objectives mentioned above, a detailed master plan was developed for Zone 1, covering 1.14 square kilometers of urban area⁶ located at the estuary in front of the Moulay al Hassan bridge. The plan designates 0.56 square kilometers of floor space⁷ for a mixed real estate program, encompassing a harmonious mix of functions:

Residential areas (46%): 1,547 units offering housing for 7,125 residents, including studios, 1-4 bedroom apartments, townhouses, and penthouses,⁸ ⁹ ¹⁰
Office buildings (28%),¹¹ ¹²
Commercial areas (14%),¹³ ¹⁴
Entertainment, leisure activities, and public amenities (12%): including a conference center, town square, museums, theater, and various hotels (including a Palace and a 5-star hotel).¹⁵ ¹⁶ ¹⁷

The project is divided into six distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character:¹⁸

Central District: Features a square surrounded by a media library, hotel, offices, and residential structures, establishing a dynamic central hub.¹⁹
Jewels District: Connects the waterfront to the city center, with residential apartments extending towards the seafront, providing panoramic views.²⁰
Cultural District: Establishes the cultural heart of Bab Al Bahr, hosting a theater, a linear public space, and an art and crafts museum.²¹
The City of Arts and Crafts District: Features guesthouses, hotels, museums, galleries, shops, and various residential buildings.²²
Tertiary Zone: Encompasses the eastern section of the marina, undergoing more concentrated development, including shops, office spaces, and a conference center. Additionally, it accommodates a large green space for sports activities and family leisure.²³
Marina and Riverfront: Includes residential buildings with strategic locations and breathtaking views of the historical heritage of Rabat-Salé.²⁴

Owner/Developer (Public)

Bouregreg Valley Development Agency (AAVB)³⁷

Owner/Developer

Al-Maabar holding company ³⁸

Consultant/Designer

Funder

French Development Agency

European Investment Bank ⁴¹

Contractor/Implementer

Bouregreg Valley Development Agency ⁴²

Al-Maabar holding company ⁴³

Owner/Developer (Public)

Bouregreg Valley Development Agency (AAVB)³⁷

Owner/Developer

Al-Maabar holding company ³⁸

Contractor/Implementer

Bouregreg Valley Development Agency ⁴²

Al-Maabar holding company ⁴³

Funder

Hassan II Fund ⁴⁰

French Development Agency

European Investment Bank ⁴¹

Consultant/Designer

Foster+Partners

Confluences Group

Créarchi ³⁹

The project will benefit from the construction of a tunnel along the Oudayas and Souk el Ghzel Square, in addition to the restructuring of the river crossing and the construction of the new Moulay Hassan Bridge featuring six lanes, a tramway line, and routes for pedestrians and two-wheel transport.²⁵ The project aims to integrate with the local landscape, contributing to enhancing and developing Morocco’s socio-economic and cultural activity.²⁶ The project construction seeks, therefore, to respect the architecture of the three old Medinas that surround it, namely the Oudayas, the old Medina of Rabat, and that of Salé.

The Bab Al Bahr project was initiated in 2006 by the Bouregreg Valley Development Agency (AAVB) in partnership with Al-Maabar Holding Company, a real estate development company from Abu Dhabi.²⁷ ²⁸ The design of the Bab Bahir Zone was led by the English architectural firm Foster & Partners in collaboration with Confluences Group and Créarchi.²⁹
The overall cost of this zone is estimated at $750 million,³⁰ funded by The Hassan II Fund for Economic & Social Development, along with the Regie de distribution d’Eau & d’Electricite de Rabat-Sale (Redal) and the private sector.³¹

The implementation of phase 1 of the project began in 2009 and primarily consisted of residential buildings,³² with 60% completed by 2014.³³ This phase also included infrastructure work essential for connecting Baba Al Bahr with its surroundings, such as the tram linking Rabat and Salé, which cost over $235 million, the Oudayas tunnel and the Moulay al-Hassan bridge.³⁴ The project’s second phase, which includes the City of Arts and Crafts,³⁵ was implemented between 2014 and 2017.³⁶

Project Link, Endnotes and References

Project Link

https://www.bouregreg.com/?lang=en

Endnotes

i Bouregreg Valley Redevelopment project is the largest urban renewal project in the history of Morocco. More info about the project is available at this link: https://www.bouregreg.com/?lang=en (Accessed on 8 February 2024)

References