Plans are underway for a major hotel complex in Tunisia.

The scheme from the WIFEK group comprises a 300-room, 50-suite hotel, retail, office and leisure development set in nine hectares on the shores of the North Lake, near Tunis.

Designed by WS Atkins, the lead consultants for the Jumeriah Beach Resort and the landmark Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai, the concept behind the new hotel's design was to create an image for Tunis.

The hotel rooms will be themed by floor with each level representing one of the major historical periods of Tunis and each room will have a direct view of the lake. The scheme will also include an Atrium which will act as the central meeting place, a 8,000sq m convention centre to cater for up to 2,500 people, 29,000sq m of retail, restaurants, bars, an ice rink and a winter garden - an indoor air-controlled garden with views of the lake.