UK-based architecture firm Benoy unveiled on Monday its design plans for ‘Konoz’ entertainment city project, located in Riyadh. The $1.8 billion mixed-use project will be developed by Abdullah Al Othaim Investment Company, one of the Kingdom’s largest shopping mall operators.

The leisure destination on Riyadh’s Golden Strip will include an entertainment city, a luxury hotel and residential offerings, in addition to commercial, F&B and retail outlets, Benoy said in a press statement.

Konoz or Box of Jewels works as part of the wider ‘Vision 2030’, positioning Riyadh as a 24-hour destination to live, work, and shop, the statement noted.

The project includes 50,000 square metres of commercial office spaces, a 20,000 sqm entertainment city aimed at supporting Riyadh’s tourism and entertainment industry. Other elements include 15,000 sqm of green areas, parking for 5,500 vehicles, a 120,000 sqm commercial centre, a luxury hotel with 250 rooms, 120 serviced residential apartments, and an additional apartment complex that includes 700 apartments.

Benoy’s sister firms Pragma Consulting worked on the commercial strategy, Holmes Wood worked on a placemaking strategy while Uncommon Land designed all the landscape spaces.

Jamie Webb, Benoy’s Head of EMEA said: “Our design aims to forge destinations where people want to live and spend time with their family and friends.”

It will also align with the newly developed Riyadh Metro System as a part of wider transport-oriented development (TOD) for the city.

(Writing by SA Kader; Editing by Anoop Menon)

(anoop.menon@lseg.com)