Plans for US$ 160 million Rabat Grand Theatre unveiled

The Bouregreg Valley Development Agency (BVDA) has unveiled plans to build a 27000 m2 theatre in Morocco's capital costing MAD 1.35 billion, (US$ 160 million).

The Rabat Grand Theatre has been designed by UK-based architect Zaha Hadid. Managing director of BVDA Lemghari Essakl signed the project finance agreement with Moroccan Minister of Economy and Finance Taieb Cherkaoui on 5 November.

The finished building will cover 47000 m2 of land and boast a 2050-seat theatre, a smaller 520-seat theatre and a fully-equipped outdoor amphitheatre with a capacity of up to 7000 people.

The theatre's innovative design will make it a landmark feature in one of the largest developments in Morocco - the Bouregreg Valley project in Rabat.

By the end of 2014, the valley will host a wide range of residential, commercial, leisure and hospitality complexes.

The BVDA is a public company in charge of the development and project management of Bouregreg riverbanks. It supervises large-scale infrastructure projects in the area, such as the Rabat-Salé Tramway.

Mr Essakl said the Rabat Grand Theatre would be "part of a national programme of cultural development allowing Rabat to showcase its rich cultural heritage as one the world's greatest cultural centres".