Egypt’s Historic Tahrir Complex to Be Transformed into Hotel
The Tahrir Complex, a renowned government building in Cairo, is set to embark on a new chapter in its rich history. Recently, the Supreme Council for Planning and Urban Development granted approval to the Sovereign Fund of Egypt (TSFE) for the conversion of the complex into a hotel.
Originally established in 1951 during King Farouk’s reign, the Tahrir Complex has stood as a symbol of historic Cairo. Spanning an impressive 28,000 square meters and boasting 14 floors with over 1,300 rooms, the complex’s distinctive ship-like structure has been an iconic feature of the cityscape.
From Military Barracks to Administrative Hub
The complex’s inception traces back to the departure of British forces from Egypt. King Farouk made the decision to demolish the English military barracks occupying what is now Tahrir Square. In 1948, the Egyptian architect Mohamed Kamal Ismail embarked on the construction of the al-Galaa Complex, later known as the Tahrir Complex. The project cost LE 350,000 at the time. The aim was to alleviate the financial burden and streamline bureaucratic processes by consolidating offices in a single location.
The Cairo Governorate made an announcement in January 2021 about relocating employees from the Tahrir Complex to other sites. This decision affected 27 government agencies and ministries previously housed within the complex.
In November 2020, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and the government reviewed the proposed development plan for the Tahrir Complex put forth by the Sovereign Fund of Egypt. International offers were received to transform the complex into a world-class investment building, marking a significant step toward its revitalization.
By repurposing the Tahrir Complex into a hotel, Egypt embraces the opportunity to reimagine a historic landmark while fostering economic growth and attracting international visitors.
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