ZRE, the developer of the Beirut Digital District (BDD), plans to start Phase B of the project in May, for a construction cost of $35 million, a top official said.

Phase B, which is expected to be completed in 2019, will consist of 17,500 sq m of offices with integrated ICT technology, Mouhamad Rabah, ZRE’s general manager was quoted as saying in a Business News report.

“We are in the process of signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for cooperation with the Spanish embassy to learn how Barcelona has become one of the smartest cities in the world,” he said.

BDD, a 15-year venture launched in September 2012, currently consists of five buildings with a built-up area of 15,000 sq m, the report said, adding that it hosts 50 companies employing 1,200 people.

BDD will focus on providing legal consultancy services and helping entrepreneurs establish limited liability companies, the report said.