British Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid and Lemghari Essakl, MD of The Bouregreg Valley Development Agency signed an agreement for the architectural design of the Rabat Grand Theatre at a ceremony held in Rabat on 5 November 2010.
With a dedicated land area of 47, 000 square metres and a gross floor area of 27, 000 square metres, the Rabat Grand Theatre will be designed as a cultural venue of the highest standards. It will include a 2,050-seat theatre, a smaller 520-seat theatre, creative studios and a fully-equipped outdoor amphitheatre with a capacity of up to 7,000 people. The cost of the project is estimated at £100 million ($160 million).
The Grand Theatre will be located in the Bouregreg Valley, a 6,000 ha area in the heart of the Moroccan capital, home to one of the largest developments in the country. By the end of 2014, the valley will host a wide range of residential, commercial, leisure and hospitality complexes, turning Rabat into one of the most attractive destinations of the Mediterranean area.
