Leading consultancies Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) and Mace have been appointed to support the development of the masterplan for Dubai Trade Centre-Jebel Ali, the UAE’s proposed site for the 2020 World Expo in Dubai.

JLL, a financial and professional services firm specialising in real estate and operating in 1,000 locations across 70 countries, has been mandated to carry out a site analysis and legacy masterplan review.
As part of this feasibility study, JLL will develop a long-term land use plan, providing a sustainable development strategy for both the Dubai Trade Centre-Jebel Ali site and surrounding areas.

Mace, a consultancy and construction company with a presence in 69 countries around the world, has also been engaged by the Expo 2020 team to assist with cost management and planning, working closely alongside the bid masterplan architects to develop the overall scope of this important project.

Mace has carried out a wide range of high-profile projects, including serving as a delivery partner for the infrastructure for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as part of the CLM consortium. Mace was also responsible for the construction of the award winning UK Pavillion, officially known as the Seed Cathedral, at the Shanghai Expo 2010, winner of the Expo’s top pavilion award.

The appointment of JLL and Mace will complement the skills and expertise of the international architectural and design firms currently working on the site masterplan, said Helal Saeed Al Marri, chief executive officer of the Dubai World Trade Centre and member of the Higher Committee for Hosting the 2020 World Expo in Dubai.

“As today’s announcement demonstrates, we continue to strengthen the team leading the masterplan development of this specialised, highly connected 438-hectare site.”

He added: “By partnering with the most expert firms from across the globe, we will ensure that Dubai Trade Centre-Jebel Ali serves as an ideal site to host the 2020 Expo – and as a permanent attraction, contributing to the city’s long-term appeal as a premier destination for global events.”

Alan Robertson, CEO of Jones Lang LaSalle, Mena, said: “From our experience in helping with the real estate components at various World Expos and Olympic Games across the world, we are aware of the hugely beneficial impact that these events can have on their host cities. We think Dubai and the UAE has an extremely strong case to be selected for Expo 2020 and are delighted to be part of the bid team.”

Stephen Pycroft, chairman and chief executive officer of Mace, said: “The Mace consultancy team has a reputation for leading world class programmes as has been demonstrated with delivery of the infrastructure and venues of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

“We are committed to helping establish a legacy through large scale city planning schemes and we are delighted to work on such a significant global event alongside the Dubai World Trade Centre.”

Dubai is competing against four other candidate cities bidding to host the 2020 World Expo, including Ayutthaya (Thailand); Ekaterinburg (Russia); Izmir (Turkey); and Sao Paulo (Brazil).

The winning city will be announced in November 2013 following a vote by the 160 member nations of the Bureau International des Expositions, the intergovernmental organisation in charge of overseeing the calendar, bidding, selection and organisation of World Expos. – TradeArabia News Service