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Ground has been broken on Al Wakrah Stadium, the first proposed Host Venue to be delivered ahead of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, has announced.
The second phase of construction is underway onsite at the stadium, with HBK Contracting Company carrying out the ground works, the Supreme Committee said in a statement. The decision to award HBK the contract followed a tender process implemented for a number of Qatari contractors with local knowledge and proven capabilities.
The move comes as part of the Supreme Committee’s vision to develop the private sector.
HBK has begun major excavation works in preparation of the foundations which will be laid in September. This phase of construction is scheduled to be completed by March 2015, with total completion expected by 2018.
Early works at Al Wakrah were carried out by AMANA, while foundation work by HBK will be marked by a ceremony in September, followed by the announcement of the main construction company at the end of the year.
Embedded in the contract won by HBK are the SC’s Workers’ Welfare Standards. These standards —which are aligned with Qatari Labour Law and international best practice and have been incorporated in all contracts —set clear guidelines that protect the rights of workers throughout the entire chain of contracting, from recruitment to repatriation.
The 40,000-seater New Al Wakrah Stadium is the future home of Al Wakrah Sports Club. It was the first of Qatar’s FIFA World Cup proposed host venues to be revealed. The stadium will be surrounded by a 560,000 sqm precinct with a new sports centre and community hub.
Following the tournament, the stadium’s capacity will be reduced to 20,000 with the extra modular seats removed, re-configured and donated to countries in need of sporting infrastructure in consultation with FIFA and the continental football confederations.
The rigorous implementation of the Workers’ Welfare Standards at all stages of construction, is aimed to be a benchmark for worker welfare in the country, the Supreme Committee said.