Cyril Sweett in talks over £30bn of Iraqi reconstruction

UK consultant Cyril Sweett is in talks to project manage part of the reconstruction of three Iraqi cities, including Baghdad, in projects worth at least $50bn (£31bn).

Leading construction companies from around the world, including Cyril Sweett and Al Maabar, a joint venture of six of the biggest developers in the UAE, were invited to Dubai last month to meet the regional directors of Baghdad, Najaf and Karbala to discuss plans to redevelop and expand each of the cities.

The three city authorities also met Abu Dhabi-based investor National Holding, which will partially fund the schemes.

The Baghdad masterplan is understood to include two mega projects. The first, called The Future City, involves rebuilding the old city. The second, called 10 by 10, will be a $10bn extension to the south. Built over 10 years, it will house 2 million people, and will include hospitals, schools and infrastructure.

There will also be two mega projects in Karbala: the redevelopment of the city itself and the construction of New Karbala, a 30km2 city worth $20bn. It is understood that US architect Burt Hill has been appointed to deliver the Karbala masterplan.

There is a desire to work with UK firms

Richard Kingston, Cyril Sweett

Nazar Mohammed, relationship manager for Cyril Sweett in Iraq, said: “New Karbala will be built just outside the city on a greenfield site. It is expected to create 80,000 jobs.”

Mohammed added that Cyril Sweett would meet the regional representatives for each of the masterplans in July to discuss involvement on individual jobs.

Richard Kingston, director of Middle East operations for Cyril Sweett, said the schemes could provide opportunities for other UK firms. “There is a desire to work with UK firms as long as they are registered companies in Iraq,” he said.