WORK to revamp a landmark traditional market is finally set to start next month after years of administrative and financial delays.
The BD4.4 million Isa Town Traditional Market will have gates installed along with thermal insulation and air-conditioning at a cost of BD1.4m.
The building houses 580 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.
Area councillor Malallah Shaheen Malallah told the GDN the marketplace has been attracting people from all across Bahrain and the Gulf, but many rush out within a few minutes due to the heat and heavy humidity.
“The marketplace is amazing with merchandise on sale at bargain prices; the only issue is that it is open and has no thermal insulation or air-conditioning,” he said.
“The moment the traditional market is turned into a mall, more people will surely be interested in visiting it for shopping.
“It could also encourage people to open traditional restaurants and cafés where people can sit and enjoy their time, without sweating into their food.
“If things proceed as planned, then a second storey could be added to the market, to bring the place to its fullest potential as a national attraction.”
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 in which hundreds of shop owners were affected with the market suffering 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 will maintain its distinctive traditional look 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 plan things accordingly, and with the 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 cafés 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 the visitors will be tempted to visit.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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