As the principal gateway to Mecca, Jeddah is a key, growing urban hub in the Middle East. Over recent decades it has experienced unprecedented population growth, rising from 50,000 residents in the 1940s to nearly four million today. This extraordinary rate of change has resulted in fragmented development which was further hindered in 2010 after the city was hit by a catastrophic storm causing tragic loss of life and extensive damage.
With the aim of revitalizing the city, AECOM was appointed to create the Jeddah Plans, a framework for sustainable and balanced future growth. In partnership with Amana, AECOM is delivering plans that will redefine the city’s future, creating a series of well-connected centres and a network of quality open spaces, with improved access to amenities and public transportation. Operating on a huge scale, the project involves a record number of stakeholders to consult, critique and reach consensus on a new path forward for Jeddah.
The Jeddah Plans invest in ensuring the prime location of metro stations, encouraging residents to decrease their dependence on cars and giving them improved access to amenities and jobs. The creation of a people-friendly public realm is also critical to the success of the plans.
AECOM is providing the following services:
- Strategic planning
- Governance
- Spatial and urban planning services
- Landscape and environmental sustainability
- Infrastructure services