loader image
Back

La Perle du Lac

Tunis, Tunisia

2017 - Ongoing
Large Urban ProjectMaster PlanNew CityWaterfront

Project Description

Approach Words: Integrated City, Sustainability, Urban Livability

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

La Perle du Lac is a large urban development project located on the Northwest and Southwest shores of North Tunis Lake.1 It is one of three development areas (Northwest and Southwest shores, North shores, and Northeast shores) of “Les Berges du Lac”,i a mega development project around the lake.2 Envisioned as the “reconciliation of the city center with its waterfront”,3 the project aims to create a modern, smart, and sustainable city, providing a high quality urban experience for its residents while preserving the natural environment.4 Its objectives include:

  • Maximizing the site’s potential by capitalizing on its view of the key features of the Tunisian landscape.5
  • Facilitating integration between the site and the city center by establishing public transportation networks and infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.6
  • Enhancing the water body and its banks through the cleaning of the lake and its integration into the city’s landscape by implementing programs for cultural, leisure, and sports activities on the waterfront.7

Title: The location of "Les Berges du Lac" project is at the heart of the Greater Tunis metropolitan area.

Source: Click Here

Title: Location of "La Perle du Lac 1,2,3 &4" in "Les Berges du Lac" master plan.

Source: Click Here

Title: Master Plan of "La Perle du Lac" project.

Source: Click Here

Title: Rendered 3D View Showing La Perle du Lac 2.

Source: Click Here

To implement the project’s objectives, a general master plan is designed over 3 square kilometers on the Northwest and Southwest shores of the lake.8 It includes Housing (31.5%), Offices (40.3%), Retail (18.4%), Entertainment and leisure (1.5%), Hotels and clinics (2%), and other facilities (3%).9 The project accommodates 46,400 residents and 98,800 employees, across the following zones:

La Perle du Lac 1 represents the first phase of the project,10designed over a land area of 5.64 square kilometers and an authorized built-up area of 7.25 square kilometers,11 with a total of 120 lots.12 This zone was implemented between 2017 and 201913 and accommodates 7,500 residents and 11,300 employees.14 It comprises multifunctional collective buildings and semi-collective pure residential buildings,15 ranging from 4 to 9 floors.16 Additionally, it encompasses the following components:

  • The central Boulevard traverses La Perle du Lac from east to west, forming the city’s administrative and commercial artery.17
  • The double promenade stretches the entire length of the zone, providing the city with an open view of the lake.18
  • The Grand Square is entirely pedestrian and dedicated to entertainment and leisure activities.19
  • The splendid central pier hosts various outdoor cultural and artistic events2020
  • A cycling track offers a 5-kilometer loop.21

La Perle du Lac 2 is designed over a land area of 5.71 square Kilometers,22 with a total of 123 lots.23 This part has been under implementation since 202324 and accommodates 12,800 residents and 30,800 employees.25 Additionally, it encompasses the following components:

  • “Tunis Garden City” development is one of the largest projects undertaken by La Perle du Lac 2. It includes a residential complex and a 0.73 square kilometer shopping center.26
  • A symbolic building is located in the Innovation Plaza and designed to host various activities, including corporate offices, upscale commercial areas, and cultural and leisure centers.27
  • The Innovation Plaza is located in the heart of the business sector, providing cultural and community events venues.28
  • The garden square, situated at the end of the commercial gallery promenade, is enclosed on three sides.29 Additional public spaces are also included, such as water walks, cycling tracks, promenades, and green boulevards.30

La Perle du Lac 3 & 4: The development and commercialization of the project lots begin in 2025 and are planned to be finalized by 2030.31

Owner/Developer (Public)

Al Buhaira Invest43

Owner/Developer

Dallah Albaraka44

Consultant/Designer

Al Buhaira Invest45

Contractor/Implementer

Bouzguenda Frères

Bonna Tunisie47

Owner/Developer (Public)

Al Buhaira Invest43

Owner/Developer

Dallah Albaraka44

Contractor/Implementer

Bouzguenda Frères

Bonna Tunisie47

Consultant/Designer

Al Buhaira Invest45

Preservation of the environment is one of the project’s fundamental principles, and it promotes eco-friendly and sustainable mobility by focusing on cycling lanes to reduce car dependency.32 A significant focus is also on greenery and optimization of gas, electricity, and water networks.33 The structure of public spaces addresses the need to improve climate comfort conditions (reducing urban heat islands) by dedicating more space to vegetation and water, optimizing soil permeability, and enhancing stormwater management and irrigation.34 In terms of connectivity, La Perle du Lac has easy access from major routes leading to the city center. It occupies a strategic location near the country’s largest international airport.35 The project also integrates public transportation with other mobility modes.36

The project is initiated by Al Buhaira Invest37 (formerly La Société de Promotion du Lac de Tunis – SPLT).38 It should be noted that Al Buhaira Invest was established in 1983, based on a public-private partnership between the Tunisian government (50%) and the Dallah El Baraka Group (50%), a private Saudi partner.39 Al Buhaira Invest had the task of designing and supervising the implementation of an integrated development project.40 The project will be implemented by a Tunisian consortium comprising Bouzguenda Frères and Bonna Tunisie.41 Infrastructure works for this subdivision are estimated at around $45 million, while development works amount to approximately $64 million.42

Project Link, Endnotes and References

Related Projects

Related Publications

footerpdf