Restoring suq’s glory

BD3.5 million deal to renovate Bab Al BahrainA BD3.5 million agreement was signed yesterday to start phase one of the Manama suq development project.The accord was signed by the Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, Ali Saleh Al Saleh, and the chairman of the board of directors of Bu Khowa Constructions, Hassan Abdullah Bu Khowa.The project follows directives of the Prime Minister, Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, to restore the suq’s economic and historic position by developing it based on modern standards.The company is expected to complete phase one in 18 months. The phase includes the development of the area from the Government Avenue in the north to Shaikh Abdullah Avenue in the south, with a plaza in the intersection. Under phase one, shops on the avenues will also be developed, and a larger car park built along with a number of traditional coffee shops.The project also includes the incorporation of shades and improvements to frontages along Bab Al Bahrain Avenue. The renovation area will cover 250,000 square metres, stretching from Bab Al Bahrain to Shaikh Abdulla Avenue, and from Shaikh Isa Avenue to the Manama Municipal Council building. The project aims to bring the suq back to its prominence within the daily fabric of life in Bahrain.Three contractors had submitted bids, with value ranging from BD3 million to BD4 million, to the Tender Board. The other two were Almoayyed Contracting and Hafeera Construction. A permanent exhibition on the project would be opened at Bab Al Bahrain area to show the shopowners the progress of the work and give an idea to tourists how the suq is going to be renovated.Three contractors had submitted bids to the Tender Board. The other two were Almoayyed Contracting and Hafeera Construction.The ministry has come to an understanding with the shopowners who would be temporarily affected by the project.According to Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry sources, about 15 people would be affected in the first phase. Some are finding temporary places and others have branches in the country. Most of them will come back to the renovated place once the project is completed.The location of the proposed shopping complex between Al Mutanabi Road and Shaikh Abdulla Road, to be constructed in the second phase, is being shifted to ensure that less number of shops are affected. The traffic department has carried out a study to ensure that there will be minimal disruption to business during the construction phase. The prime goal of the project is to ‘re-brand’ the Manama suq into a significant and self-sufficient urban centre to play a role in the promotion of economic and social activities. Detailed designs have been prepared by Gulf House Engineering.