MANAMA: A new open-air retail centre in Janabiya, featuring a Spanish Mediterranean look and feel, has opened its doors to customers.
The $30 million El Mercado development was inaugurated by Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed Al Zayani and Northern Governor Ali Al Asfoor yesterday.
Built on an elevated platform located just north of Saudi Causeway, along Avenue 27 at the border of the Saar and Janabiya communities, it has 48,500sqft of retail space in a vehicle-free pedestrian environment.
It is a project by First Bahrain Real Estate Development whose chief executive Amin Al Arrayed said seeing the project transform from vision to reality was a rewarding experience, especially with “the positive feedback from the community”.
“With its landscaped courtyards, outdoor seating, and water features, it is already the perfect spot for families and friends to relax and dine,” he added.
“We are delighted to introduce a number of unique concepts our tenants have been working on as we seek to add value to the immediate neighbourhood and the surrounding area.”
Overlooking the garden at El Mercado are casual diners and cafés including McDonald’s, Joe Mama’s, Second Cup and Choox Chicken Coop.
Sweet specialists include Top & Dip and Frutto Gelato.
Other services present are an Ahli United Bank branch, Festivity party supplies and Vanity and the Groom Room signature salons for women and men respectively.
More concepts will be opening soon, said Mr Al Arrayed.
The market is anchored by Alosra Supermarket, a subsidiary of Bahrain’s BMMI Group.
This is the supermarket chain’s seventh branch in the country and will be open seven days a week, from 7am to 11pm.
Alosra Janabiya features a fresh fruit and vegetable section, a butchery, a bakery and a wide range of organic products.
It has introduced a fresh juice station and will offer a variety of freshly-ground, natural nut butters. The bakery uses zero added sugar in all their breads, in addition to all beef and lamb sold in the butchery being grass-fed.
Furthermore, the store will offer a large selection of vegan alternatives, dairy substitutes and non-dairy products and an array of gluten-free goods.
It will also include additional offerings and product ranges based on food and beverages partnerships from local and international brands.
“Alosra caters to a customer base of cultured, well-travelled and discerning individuals with experienced palates and varying tastes,” said BMMI vice-president for food retailing and production Jaffar Al Asfoor.
“We have identified that customers are expecting more health-conscious alternatives and Alosra Janabiya definitely delivers.”
El Mercado also features 160 covered parking spaces.
avinash@gdn.com.bh
&uuid=(email))