Retail development of a $272 million project at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) will commence soon with a first contract being awarded to Habtoor Leighton Group (HLG), according to ME Construction News.

A $136 million contract has been awarded to HLG, a part of Australian CIMIC Group, for the development of the Gate Avenue at DIFC.

According to the DIFC, the work will begin shortly and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2017, saying around $136 million of the master plan’s infrastructure is already in place.

Gate Avenue, once completed, will span an area of 660,000 square feet and feature over 200 dining, retail and entertainment outlets.