Improved infrastructure in the Old Manama Suq, including more parking spaces, outdoor children’s play areas and public washrooms, could help revitalise the area, according to a recently completed study.
The study titled, ‘Analysing the Social Impacts of Urbanisation on Traditional and Contemporary Trading Environments: The Case of Bahrain’ by Noor Saleh Alalawi and Professor Dr Islam Hamdi Elghonaimy from Bahrain University’s College of Engineering, was recently published in the international peer-reviewed Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs.
“The trade sector is among the top four growing sectors contributing to Bahrain’s GDP,” researchers note, in the abstract of the study. “Despite the successful impact of trade on the local economy, there is an apparent disconnect between individuals engaged in trading activities and their physical urban spaces, posing a significant threat to preserving Bahrain’s vibrant social trading culture.”
The study was completed and submitted in April, two months before the devastating June fire that killed three people and injured nine while gutting 25 shops and damaging 150.
The objectives of the study were to outline the social impacts of urbanisation on trade, assess the perceptions of commercial activities in traditional trading environments like Old Manama Suq and identify the architectural principles that influence the physical act of trade.
To explore trade from the personal perspectives of shoppers and residents, a questionnaire was distributed with 762 individuals participating to provide their opinions.
Of these, 469, more than half the respondents, visited Old Manama at least once a month, with 17 per cent of the total respondents visiting more than five times a month.
Of the 762 respondents, 213 were former residents, 187 were descendants of former residents, 183 were visitors and 14 were current residents. The remaining 165 chose ‘none of the above’ or left their relationship with Old Manama as ‘Unknown.’
Gold and jewellery shopping was the most popular reason to visit Manama for 26pc of respondents, followed by clothes shopping (21pc), family and friend visits (18pc), eating out (17pc) and cultural events (12pc).
An overwhelming majority (98pc) of the study participants expressed the view that infrastructure enhancements are crucial for the revitalisation of Old Manama, researchers added. The participants also expressed their opinions regarding the challenges of commercial activities in Old Manama:
38pc believed that challenges in trading activities are due to the lack of infrastructure development
25pc believed that they are due to the decline in historical and cultural assets
21pc said that they were due to limited business opportunities
11pc selected the lack of community involvement.
When asked what suggestions could attract more visitors to Old Manama, 29pc proposed additional parking spaces, with the rest suggesting the restoration of old buildings, development of recreational spaces and landscaped rest areas with seating.
To encourage more family visits, 28pc suggested building more restroom amenities, 46pc suggested providing outdoor and children’s play areas and 16pc suggested offering baby changing facilities.
When reached for comment, Old Manama Suq Committee vice-president Mahmood Al Namleti also noted that more public toilets, as well as additional infrastructure, would help revitalise the area, adding that these items were on the committee’s agenda.
The GDN has previously reported that a special Old Manama Suq Redevelopment Committee, chaired by Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) chief executive Sarah Buheji, has been formed to come up with ideas to modernise and preserve the traditional market.
His Majesty King Hamad directed that a comprehensive plan be launched to redevelop the historic Manama Suq area while preserving its character and addressing the infrastructure needs of historic areas.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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