Trowers in on the ground as £4bn Saudi city is born

Trowers & Hamlins has advised the Knowledge Economic City Development Company on a deal to develop the network infrastructure for a new $8bn (£4.03bn) city in Saudi Arabia.

Knowledge Economic City is the kingdom's third mega economic city and will focus on research and development, with an emphasis on Islamic studies, medical studies and the biosciences.

Trowers won the 10-year instruction on the basis of other work it has carried out in the Gulf region.

The first stage of the transaction involved advising on the delivery of network architecture by supplier Cisco, connecting every single building across the five million sq m city.

The network is to be managed via a secure internet protocol system that will allow for a centralised management structure and lower operating costs.

Energy and infrastructure partner and head of the Saudi practice, Leroy Levy, advised. He said the installation of appropriate technology would attract knowledge-based industries and help set Knowledge Economic City apart from the competition.

Trowers will be accompanying the phased development of the city and is due to begin work shortly advising on an IPO.

The city - which is set to generate 20,000 jobs - also involves an interactive museum themed around the life of the prophet Muhammad, together with a business district, retail facilities, a light rail transit, a five-star hotel, short-term accommodation, residential housing and associated urban infrastructure and social facilities.

Cisco was advised by its in-house team.