British design firm Foster + Partners said it has been appointed to develop the architectural vision for Jeddah’s city-wide public transport plan, following an international design competition.

The contract was signed by governor of Makkah Province, Prince Khaled bin Faisal bin Abdelaziz Al Saud.

According to Foster + Partners, the vision for Jeddah’s transport network takes a long-term, sustainable approach, which anticipates growth centuries from now. It includes the design of metro, ferry, bus, cycle, public spaces and nodes of development.

“The comprehensive plan extends from the design of the stations to the trains and branding. In addition, the development of the metro system will create a new urban amenity for the city of Jeddah at key locations below the elevated track,” said a spokesman for Foster + Partners.

Designed in response to the local climate, the masterplan is city-wide and draws on the high-density, compact urban model of the ancient quarter of Al Balad, with its mixture of uses and comfortable, walkable shaded streets, he stated.

“Currently only 12 per cent of the population live within a 10-minute walk of Jeddah’s transport nodes – the project aims to achieve 50 per cent, through a process of densification and strategic planning. Each station node will create a new neighbourhood, with a unique character, and together these will create a diverse and vibrant city,” he added.

The contract awarded to Foster + Partners is worth SR300-million ($80 million), according to the Saudi Gazette.-TradeArabia News Service