A BLUEPRINT for protected properties in Bahrain’s old capital, stretching from Ras Ruman to Naim, is being drawn up as the government pushes ahead with plans to have Manama registered as a world heritage site.
All urbanisation, investment and developmental projects submitted to the Urban Planning and Development Authority from now on will need the approval of the Capital Trustees Board and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca).
The board, in its meeting yesterday, unanimously approved reclassifying a 920-metre square plot in Manama Block 346, from a multi-purpose building to infrastructure services.
It would be used by the Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry for new telecom services and connections.
The GDN reported previously that Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi issued four new classifications as part of the Manama preservation process, which will be determined based on the properties’ condition, its historic value and building materials.
Old Town Manama, one of the most important trade hubs in the region in the last 150 years, was featured on a tentative list for Unesco nomination alongside two other sites – Hawar Islands and the Awali Oil Settlement – in 2019.
“We have to look into the way forward in order to get Manama listed as a world heritage site,” said Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah.
“Manama has all the interesting elements that makes it a unique destination, whether it is historic, business, community or government buildings alongside homes.
“Basically, it is a place people from the world would be fascinated to visit and come to, but there has to be a proper assemblage of attractions that elevates the status of the place.”
He added that for a successful bid, the Old Manama Town, needed a blend of distinctive properties and modern infrastructure facilities.
“We have to make sure that whatever service is planned is assessed on a case-by-case basis, one misstep or mistake could easily lead to damage to the trail,” said Mr Tarradah.
“Having the new telecom project, as an example, is beneficial to the blueprint of the protected town and would give it more appeal.
“There are many foreign investors who are interested in having their offices in the Old Town because they see it as a prestigious destination that elite businessmen in the Gulf operate from.
“This is true as many business families are still there despite having spacious other properties elsewhere.”
Mr Tarradah explained that he was not an expert in technicalities or surveying properties, but sees Manama closer to getting the recognition.
“Bahrain, known as the Gulf Pearl, continues to be a popular tourism destination for people from all around the world,” he said.
“There is the ‘IT’ factor that is not replicated even in neighbouring GCC towns, and I am not a technical or surveying expert, so I am not going into that.
“We need to capitalise on Manama’s attractiveness, get the recognition, and open new tourism, investment and development doors that would get Bahrainis jobs and ensure our history becomes a world flagship of interest.”
Baca national heritage director Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa earlier said a plan would be put in place to renovate parts of residential and commercial properties that are witness to Bahrain’s history, while retaining their significant architectural features.
He, however, asserted that permissions would not be granted for iconic buildings or houses to be completely demolished or reconstructed.
Shaikh Mohammed said earlier preserving the capital would give Bahrain extra leverage as it bids for international heritage recognition.
It includes the historic Al Fadhel Mosque Minaret, Al Mehzaa Mosque and Al Awadhi Mosque with plans to expand the Bahrain Post Museum and Bab Al Bahrain.
He also highlighted the Old Manama Suq, and the traditional Khalaf House as cultural landmarks.
The three current World Heritage Sites in Bahrain are the Pearling Pathway, Bahrain Fort and Dilmun Burial Mounds.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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