A LANDMARK market in Isa Town looks set to finally get much-needed refurbishment with plans to install gates, thermal insulation and air-conditioning after years of administrative and financial delays.
Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf said yesterday that the Isa Town Traditional Market was set to take its place as a leading tourist attraction in the country following its renovation.
The marketplace building houses 570 shops selling antiques, furniture, electronics and household items. It is located within the bigger Isa Town Market Complex boasting 1,200 registered shops.
The place was designated as a tourist destination in 2016, but delays in improving its condition have hindered efforts to promote it.
“The landmark market will finally get its much-needed refurbishment as we seek to turn it into a major tourist attraction that appeals to locals and visitors,” said Mr Khalaf.
Resolved
“The issues surrounding updating a traditionally-designed marketplace have been resolved and work on gates, thermal insulation and air-conditioning is set to begin shortly.
“There have been suggestions that many people refrain from going to the marketplace during the summer because they feel so uncomfortable.
“The new mall concept would certainly answer those complaints, as well as security and an appeal that the current premises lack.”
Area councillor Malallah Shaheen Malallah told the GDN that the initial costs of improvements are estimated to be around BD700,000, but negotiations continue in a bid to reduce that sum.
“Undoubtedly the market refurbishment is vital, but again, further cost trimming may be necessary,” he said.
“Work could begin with any unsettled details finalised at a later stage, before the handover.”
New vehicle entrances will also be created to cope with the predicted larger number of customers visiting the complex, which also houses two supermarkets, an electronics department store, furniture shops and a weekend flea market.
The current traditional market sprang up around 100 metres from its original location in 2014 following a massive blaze. Hundreds of shop owners were affected and the market suffered extensive damage.
An earlier blaze in July 2012 similarly wreaked havoc at the complex.
Meanwhile, Municipalities Affairs Under-Secretary Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa revealed that a number of smaller tasks will be conducted within the market premises before and during the revamp.
“We have a futuristic vision for the market, which keeps its distinctive traditional feeling such as its exterior and the way the shops were built,” he said.
“When the market was rebuilt and reopened after the fire the idea was that we progress things accordingly, and with huge appeal from customers there was a need to speed up the implementation of new ideas.
“Thermal insulation will ensure that the market is not so hot during the humid weather and it will be followed by installing air-conditioning and a seating area will be introduced for traditional cafes and restaurants.”
Southern Municipality director general Assem Abdullatif said the mall concept would allow festivities and activities to be staged at the site.
“It is not just about selling items, but also about selling a concept,” he said. “The more lively and active the place becomes, the more visitors are set to come.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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