Marrakech's Arset Bouachrine Underground Parking Project Moves to Tender Stage
The Medina of Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985, is gearing up for the next phase of its underground parking development at Arset Bouachrine. Al Omrane Marrakech-Safi has officially launched a tender for this significant project, estimated at 49.6 million dirhams. This initiative comes at a time when UNESCO has requested a thorough review of the project to ensure its alignment with the historical and cultural integrity of the site.
Published on September 11, the tender encompasses comprehensive construction work, including roadway development, utility installations, and the provision of local amenities. Interested bidders are invited to submit their proposals by October 5, marking an important deadline in the project timeline.
The origins of this project date back several years. Reports from January 2025 indicated that excavation activities had been halted for over a year, raising concerns about the project's progress. By May 2025, during a municipal council meeting, the local government announced plans for 490 parking spaces across two sites in the Medina—specifically, Bouachrine and El Antaki—asserting that they had reached an agreement with UNESCO following two years of negotiations.
However, at a gathering in Busan in July 2026, the World Heritage Committee emphasized the necessity for a consolidated dossier before any irreversible decisions are made. This includes justifications for the site selection, exploration of alternative options, prior archaeological excavations, and traffic studies. They also expressed a desire to see Arset Bouachrine reflect the essence of its historical garden.
The forthcoming tender will identify the construction firm responsible for executing the project. It remains to be seen how the final design will incorporate the committee's recommendations, ensuring the preservation of the Medina's rich heritage while addressing contemporary urban parking needs.
As reported by latribunedemarrakech.com.
