Bloom Properties said it has commissioned Middle East Foundation Group to complete the enabling works and foundation for their Bloom Central, a mixed-use development launched at Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2010.

Bloom, the lifestyle arm of Abu Dhabi-based National Holding, said the excavation commenced at the site on May 25 and is estimated to last up to eight months.

As part of its agreement with Bloom Properties, Middle East Foundation Group will be responsible for the shoring, excavation, piling and dewatering activities, including digging up to 23 metres to allow for a five-level basement.

Afram Kouz, chief projects and development officer, Bloom Properties, said: "The Middle East Foundation Group’s exemplary track-record on prestigious projects such as the Burj Khalifa and the Abu Dhabi Central Market helped us select the company for our development."

"In addition to its experience in handling large projects, the company’s versatility will enable it to execute Bloom Central to exact requirements. We are confident that the Middle East Foundation Group will deliver on its commitment in the coming months."

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank will finance the construction of Bloom Central that has been planned in keeping with Bloom Properties’ endeavour towards bridging key gaps in the real estate sector and offering target communities with products that match their requirements.

The mixed-use development will comprise a 25-storey tower that will house a 315-key five-star hotel, 64 serviced apartments and 49 two and three bedroom apartments. It will also add approximately 7,000 sq metres of office space to a prime neighbourhood in the main Abu Dhabi island.

Angus Carlisle of Middle East Foundation Group, said: “We consider this project as the beginning of a key partnership with Bloom Properties. We are proud to be working with a developer that anticipates the requirements of communities it aims to serve while creating an offering based on sensible design aesthetics, with a view to plug gaps in the market.”

Recognising its community-friendly components, Bloom Properties’ flagship project Bloom Gardens was commended in the ‘Best Residential Development - Abu Dhabi’ and ‘Best Residential Development – Arabian Region’ categories at the prestigious CNBC Arabia Property Awards 2009. The awards honour exemplary real estate projects across the Arab world.

The company has maintained its commitment to providing an integrated approach to building communities through value-added offerings in education, sports, leisure, health and retail, and by working with best-in-class partners across all projects.-TradeArabia News Service