Neom appoints Atkins as a delivery partner for The Line
The linear city will measure 170km long and 200m wide, and is expected to run on 100% clean energy
Atkins has been appointed as a delivery partner organisation for The Line at Neom in Saudi Arabia, it has been announced.
The consultancy stated that it has been awarded a five-year contract, under a framework agreement, for consultancy services on the linear development, which will extend to 170km long once completed. The cognitive city will also be only 200m wide and will run on 100% clean energy, according to officials.
Described as a civilisational revolution, the project will have no roads, cars, or carbon emissions. It is expected to eventually accommodate nine million residents and will be built on a land area of 34sqkm – a footprint unheard of compared to other cities of similar capacity.
Designed around nature rather than over it, The Line will be surrounded by large world-class protected areas, as 95% of the surrounding Neom region will be protected for conservation.
In late June 2022, SNC-Lavalin launched its ‘Engineering Net Zero in the GCC’ report to help the region achieve its Net Zero carbon targets.
In collaboration with Neom and other delivery partner organisations, Atkins will provide project and construction management consultancy services for the design, procurement, construction, testing and commissioning of the project, together with the management of the critical interfaces that the linear city shares with adjacent Neom projects and logistics. The project has adopted a highly collaborative delivery model in response to its scale, complexity, supply chain and requirements for innovation.
“The Line is a truly ground-breaking, world first project and we are proud to have the opportunity to bring our global engineering, digital and Net Zero expertise to help create a lasting legacy for the Kingdom and its people,” said Philip Hoare, President, Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group.
“As a delivery partner organisation, we will work closely with Neom and our partners to seamlessly connect people, data and technology to drive innovation, value, efficiency and certainty on the project. Our combined intent is to radically transform the way major infrastructure projects are delivered and The Line, with its vision and complexity, provides a great opportunity to demonstrate what our industry can achieve.”
The Line offers a new approach to urban design, the statement continued. The idea of layering city functions vertically, while giving people the possibility of moving seamlessly in three dimensions (up, down, or across) to access them is a concept referred to as ‘Zero Gravity Urbanism’.
In late July 2022, the Saudi Crown Prince unveiled the designs of The Line.
The development’s infrastructure will be embedded with sustainable smart technology containing essential utilities and transportation services, generating car-free communities and public realms.
“With over 50 years’ presence in the Middle East, Atkins has played a key role in supporting the region’s transformation by delivering some of its most iconic and complex projects,” said Campbell Gray, Chief Executive Officer, Middle East & Africa, Atkins.
“Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s most dynamic growth markets and we are committed to supporting the country’s ambitions through our global engineering expertise, our in-depth local knowledge, and our investment in the Kingdom’s future talent. As a delivery partner organisation, we will work closely with Neom to drive value and efficiency by adopting innovative technologies and world-class sustainability standards.”
Atkins has expanded its local presence in the Kingdom with regional offices in Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar and AlUla, supporting clients in buildings and places, transportation, energy and water sectors. Some of the company’s key projects in Saudi Arabia include Diriyah Gate, Six Flags Qiddiya theme park, Riyadh Metro, and King Abdulaziz International Airport.
In early September 2022, Trevi Group said its Saudi subsidiary has begun foundation works for The Line.
