Known for its iconic historical sites and lively neighbourhoods, the ochre city is set to proceed with the development of its iconic Guéliz district. At the same time, the city is working to upgrade the Jamaa El Fna square, which will feature more precise signage to guide visitors and inform them about the historical significance of the site. This square will also be equipped with access control covering several streets. But that is not all. A project to rehabilitate 22 foundouks has also just been launched.
The ochre city continues its transformation while protecting its historical sites. Several development projects are underway, including the upgrading of the Guéliz district. Indeed, the local development company Marrakech Mobility has just launched the execution of study and project management services for the implementation of this development project. "The Guéliz district, located in the heart of Marrakech, is a strategic urban zone characterised by strong economic, tourist, and residential activity. The current state of the district's road network presents major challenges, notably infrastructure degradation, sanitation problems, frequent traffic jams, and deficiencies in terms of road safety and accessibility for people with reduced mobility (PRM). To address these issues, an in-depth diagnosis is necessary to objectively assess the state of road infrastructure and identify priority interventions to improve the quality of the network and meet the needs of users," indicates Marrakech Mobility. This project concerns the entire urban road network of the Guéliz district, including main and secondary arteries, pedestrian spaces, parking, facade treatment, urban squares, and functional spaces for mobility. It involves carrying out facade-to-facade development of the major boulevards of Guéliz, managing traffic and mobility, and constructing the road surface (new and renovated). Added to this are the sanitation and connection project, intervention on existing utility networks (drinking water, sanitation, electricity, recycled water, etc.), the renewal of pavements and public lighting, the treatment of green spaces, and the implementation of a new traffic and parking plan within the district. "The entire project must be subject to a comprehensive quality approach to control costs, deadlines, performance, and technical, architectural, and environmental qualities. Its goal will be to guarantee and verify the organisation of implementation, the allocation of responsibilities, as well as execution studies, works, tests...", according to the same source. The diagnosis of the existing situation and preliminary studies consist of carrying out a detailed inventory of urban roads (carriageways, pavements, drainage systems, signage, etc.) and evaluating the technical and functional state of the infrastructure. This step also consists of identifying problematic areas (degradation, congestion, lack of signage) and classifying intervention priorities according to needs and available resources.
Jamaa El Fna Square: Retractable bollards and orientation signage to be installed soon
Jamaa El Fna square experiences a considerable influx throughout the year. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008, this place is one of the main cultural spaces in Marrakech. Over time, Jamaa El Fna square has become one of the symbols of the city and offers an exceptional concentration of popular Moroccan cultural traditions expressed through music and various artistic expressions. Located at the entrance to the Medina, this iconic square surrounded by restaurants, stalls, and public buildings is an open-air theatre. It also houses commercial activities. To enhance it, signage works will soon be launched as part of the Marrakech Medina development programme. This project, led by Al Omrane, involves the installation of address plates at the intersections of the Medina streets. "They are crafted in the traditional terracotta style with a legible painted calligraphic character. These plates will protrude from the facade surface to prevent them from being obscured by plaster and paint," explains the same source. A zellige touch created by local artisans will also be integrated. Number plates will also be installed for historical buildings, cafes, restaurants, and shops. In addition to address plates, orientation and information signage panels will be installed, particularly for highly visited historical buildings. It should be noted that Al Omrane Marrakech-Safi had also launched the execution works for the installation of an access control system for Jamaa El Fna square. This involves retractable bollards concerning the main access points (Prince Moulay Rachid passage, Bani Marine street, Moulay Ismail street, Jamaa Lafna avenue, and Koutoubia street). This operation also includes secondary access points (Bab Fetouh, Souk Essamarine, Riad Zitoune El Jdid street, Sidi Boulabada street, Riad Zitoune Lakdim street, and Kennaria street).
Restoration of nearly 22 foundouks
Following the earthquake that affected the Al Haouz region, an emergency programme relating to the strengthening and reconstruction of the impacted parts was developed. Among the projects launched in this context is the rehabilitation of foundouks. Thus, technical studies, expertise, monitoring, and coordination of these works have just been launched by Al Omrane. They concern several foundouks including Al Ahbass, Al Khiria, Al Mokhtar, El Mellak, Bentabaa, El Amri and El Fatmi, El khadir, Nader, Lkhzioui and Layachi, Moulay Hafid, and also Selham and Zellige. At this stage, this project concerns 22 foundouks.
