An ambitious masterplan for the war-damaged Bachoura district of central Beirut, the project envisions protection of the existing heritage within a new commercial and residential development conceived as Lebanon’s "Silicon Valley". Phase One, completed in 2017, provides 17,500 square metres of facilities in ten "smart" office buildings that currently house 120 companies with 1,600 employees. A damaged church has been restored, and outdoor public areas have been revitalised. The project, for completion in 2026 with a built area of 250,000 square metres, is intended as an incubator for start-up companies in digital and creative fields, and provides programmes for mentorships, access to capital/finance, and cultural and educational programmes.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture