Qatar’s Msheireb Properties has appointed John McAslan + Partners (JMP) to oversee the restoration and preservation of four historical buildings in the Msheireb Downtown development in Doha.

The restoration and preservation of these properties dating from the first decade of the last century underscores Msheireb Properties’ commitment to preserve and respect Qatari culture and heritage, a statement said. 

McAslan’s scope of service includes the rehabilitation and restoration of four historic heritage houses that will transform the Heritage Quarter and create an important cultural destination within the development.

The four houses that will be restored are the Al Jalmoud House, Company House, Mohamed Bin Jassim House and Al Radwani House. These historic structures will be become cultural centres, museums and exhibition buildings.

In addition to the cultural buildings, JMP has been commissioned to carefully dismantle a heritage house of particular historic value and reconstruct it on another location within the Heritage Quarter. This project will be led by the practice’s specialist historic buildings team.

Located next to the Msheireb’s Cultural Forum and Jumaa Mosque, the transformed Heritage Quarter will be a landmark project for the development that also compliments and links the downtown with Souk Waqif, one of the oldest souks in Doha, and other cultural facilities within the Msheireb. 

Eng Issa M. Al Mohannadi, CEO of Msheireb Properties, said: “Mshereib Properties looks to the past to build a better future. That is why it is vital to preserve these houses, which offer rare glimpses into our history.

“The restoration of these houses will conserve some of the last remaining traditional and historic buildings in the city centre. It cements our belief that as the nation grows and transforms, Qatar’s culture and traditions will be preserved throughout the development process. We believe this must not be forgotten and moreover, it is precisely these authentic vestiges of our history that are essential to the downtown experience.”

Hannah Lawson, Director at JMP, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded such a significant project. The collection of buildings will form the cultural heart of the city, utilising the practice’s knowledge of traditional Qatari architecture and experience of sensitively restoring and adapting historic buildings.” – TradeArabia News Service