Sanayeh Park gets a facelift

Restoration funded
by Azadea Foundation

The Municipality of Beirut is working with the Azadea Foundation to restore the René Mouawad Park in Sanayeh. Works began in May 2013 with the onsite support of Ayman Sanyoura Architecture and Management (ASAM), Zeina Majdalani Khabbaz Landscape Architects (ZMK), and Elie and Randa Gemayel Architects (ERGA).

Mayor of Beirut Bilal Hamad said the restoration will cost $2.25 million funded entirely by the Azadea Foundation.

The 22,000 sqm park will be completely renovated with a new setup designed for all age groups. A cultural dimension will be added to the park with a stage for hosting performances, as well as an exhibition area, a wall of fame, and special reading areas.

Renovation works are set to be completed in March 2014. “The execution of the project will be achieved in two phases, in order to keep the garden open,” said Hamad.

With the renovation underway, previous plans to turn the park into a public parking have been thwarted. “The area there is not suitable for hosting a public parking, because all surrounding buildings are new residential buildings that have their own parking spaces,” Hamad said.

A public parking to serve the Hamra region is becoming a necessity. According to Hamad, it would be more convenient to have the parking located inside the Hamra locale. The Beirut Municipality is seeking to purchase a land plot on Abdel Aziz Street, facing HSBC. The project will kick off as soon as the preliminary procedures are completed, but it will require some time for accomplishment.