The recently-built Surat Diamond Bourse is believed to surpass the Pentagon in the US, as the world’s largest office building, according to a report in the CNN.
The impressive 15-story complex spans over 35 acres and features a unique design of nine interconnected rectangular structures originating from a central ‘spine.’ The bourse has been completed after four years of construction work. It is set to welcome its first occupants in November.
The “one-stop destination” for more than 65,000 diamond professionals, including cutters, polishers, and traders, it has over 7.1 million square feet of floor space. It has more than 4,700 office spaces that can also serve as small diamond-cutting and polishing workshops. The development also includes 131 elevators, and dining, retail, wellness, and conference facilities for the workers.
The size of the project was determined by demand, with all offices being purchased by diamond companies before construction commenced. It is aimed at promoting imports, exports and trading of diamonds, gems and jewellery from India. By providing state-of-the-art infrastructure to diamond traders, it intends to promote, advance, protect and develop trade, commerce and industry relating to gems and jewellery including cutting, polishing and processing.
