Beirut city center has evolved around a site continuously inhabited for over 5,000 years. While respecting this past, its reconstruction and development is creating a modern district, spreading over 191 hectares (472 acres) of land, one-third on reclaimed land.
A private joint-stock company, Solidere, is entrusted with the implementation of the project. Solidere is vested with a challenging and historical mission. Restoring life to this vital part of the country, traditionally a meeting place for all and the focus of economic and cultural activities, has an important political and symbolic dimension.
Delivering the tangible benefits of comprehensive planning, Beirut's downtown has re-emerged as a prime, active district, at the same time historic core, business-cum-institutional center, residential quarters and social arena, the focus of the city's renewed aspirations. Central to the project is the laying of a complete infrastructure and utility network, together with the constitution or reconstitution of the public domain. New and renovated facilities accommodate a variety of activities. They benefit from quality services, and enjoy landscaped open space and an exciting waterfront. This ambitious city-making venture in post-war reconstruction, inner city regeneration and waterfront development has received international acclaim as a model of sustainable urban development.