A groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction of Iconic Complex, a multifunctional development, was held in Alatau. The project envisages the construction of offices, apartments, a hotel, a shopping centre and public spaces. The complex is set to become one of the key developments in the city’s emerging business district.
The architectural concept for Iconic Complex was developed by US-based architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) has been appointed as the project’s general contractor.
The Iconic Complex project was presented to President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on 2 June 2026 during his working visit to Almaty Region. Its implementation forms part of a broader effort to develop Alatau into a new centre of economic growth, investment and international cooperation.
The ceremony was attended by Kanat Bozumbayev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Timur Suleimenov, Chairman of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Gao Bo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CSCEC International; Gabriele Pascolini, Head of the European Practice at SOM; Yuri Tskhai, Member of the Alatau City Council; as well as representatives of government agencies, Alatau City Authority, Caspian Group, international companies and the public.
Speaking at the event, Kanat Bozumbayev highlighted the project’s importance for the city’s development and stressed the need to comply with requirements for construction quality, seismic safety and energy efficiency. Particular attention was also given to engaging Kazakhstani companies and specialists, developing local expertise and creating new jobs.
“Today, we are reaching an important milestone in the development of Alatau. The Iconic Complex project is moving into the implementation phase and will become part of the city’s new identity. The complex is expected to become one of Alatau’s landmark developments and an example of the modern urban environment we are creating,” - said Kanat Bozumbayev.
The architectural concept for Iconic Complex draws inspiration from the natural landscape of the Ile Alatau mountain range. The buildings’ forms and facade designs reflect the contours of mountain ridges, rocky massifs and glaciers. The complex’s defining features will be two towers standing 272 and 78 metres tall.
CSCEC will bring its international experience in constructing high-rise buildings and large-scale mixed-use developments to the project. The company views its involvement in Iconic Complex as an opportunity to build long-term cooperation in the development of Alatau.
“For CSCEC International, Iconic Complex in Alatau will be a priority project of strategic importance. We will ensure that it is delivered to the highest standards, drawing on our best teams and resources. Together with all project participants, we intend to create a new architectural landmark of national significance,” - said Gao Bo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CSCEC International.
The Iconic Complex project is progressing within a new governance and regulatory framework for Alatau’s development. Under the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On the Special Legal Regime of the City of Alatau”, the city is subject to a special legal regime designed to create favourable conditions for attracting investment, promoting entrepreneurship and implementing major infrastructure projects.
Within this framework, Alatau City Authority performs the functions prescribed by law in relation to the city’s development, the creation of a favourable investment environment and engagement with participants in investment projects.
Yuri Tskhai, Member of the Alatau City Council and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Caspian Group, noted that the launch of Iconic Complex was the result of sustained efforts to develop the new city. According to him, government support, the establishment of a special legal regime and the expansion of international cooperation are creating the conditions needed to move from conceptual planning to the implementation of concrete investment projects.
Financing and international investment cooperation were also among the key topics addressed at the event.
Timur Suleimenov, Chairman of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan, highlighted the role of institutional investors in delivering long-term projects and the importance of cooperation between Kazakhstani and international partners.
“Through the National Investment Corporation, the National Bank is participating in this project and contributing to the development of Alatau. Our involvement reflects the role of a Kazakhstani institutional investor in supporting initiatives of national significance and bringing together domestic and international partners to deliver long-term projects,” - said Timur Suleimenov.
According to the project’s initiators, the planned investment in Iconic Complex exceeds $800 million. Completion is scheduled for the end of 2029.
The development of Alatau’s business district will go hand in hand with the construction of the city’s utility and transport infrastructure. Work is currently underway to modernise power supply systems, construct water supply facilities and repair roads. These infrastructure improvements are intended both to support new investment sites and to enhance residents’ quality of life.
Iconic Complex is among the major investment initiatives being implemented in Alatau. Overall, the city’s investment portfolio comprises 67 projects with a total planned investment of $6.9 billion. Their implementation has the potential to create approximately 55,000 jobs.
