Barka Souq Masterplan

The Barka Souq Masterplan established a concept masterplan and urban design framework for a strategically located 8.5-hectare site within Barka, a rapidly growing coastal city in Oman. Cross Works developed a proposal that strengthened the relationship between heritage, commerce and public life, with the historic fortress forming the cultural anchor of the site. The masterplan integrated new retail, F&B and hospitality uses while restoring and enhancing the existing souq as a key civic and commercial destination. The design celebrated Barka Fort and other heritage assets within the project area, ensuring that new development reinforced the site’s historic character. At the same time, the framework promoted a more vibrant coastal lifestyle zone aligned with the ambitions of the Greater Muscat Structural Plan. The result was a balanced approach that combined cultural preservation, economic activation, public realm enhancement and long-term urban regeneration.