A forgotten stretch of asphalt in the heart of old Manama could soon be transformed into a vibrant business square buzzing with cafés, antique shops, art boutiques and tourists – under an ambitious proposal backed by the Capital Trustees Board.
The prime car park overlooking the InterContinental Bahrain and linking Bab Al Bahrain with Bahrain Financial Harbour may be redeveloped into a modern public square ‘meidan’ situated above extensive underground parking.
The vision, spearheaded by Capital Trustees Board member Dr Bashar Ahmedi, has already won unanimous approval from the board and has been presented to Cabinet ministers for review.
The land is owned by Amakin, a subsidiary of Edamah, the government’s real estate arm. Dr Ahmedi, who lives in the nearby Villamar and is himself a prominent real estate developer, said the location had enormous untapped potential that had been wasted for decades as outdated surface parking.
“This is a prime-time location that doesn’t feel such,” he told the GDN. “Car parking should be part of a project and not as a standalone space.
“Flat-income plots that miss out on space maximisation show that there is no imagination on how revenue can be generated and how community can come together.
“Amakin should have futuristic expert projections – it should start with Manama and go beyond.”
Under the proposal, the current open-air parking area – largely unchanged for around half a century – would be replaced by a lively pedestrian-friendly square featuring restaurants, traditional cafés, antique outlets, art shops and relaxing public spaces designed to attract residents and tourists alike.
Underground parking would also be developed to ease chronic congestion in the old suq area.
“The existing parking for the past 50 years has not changed and looks dated and unfriendly,” said Dr Ahmedi. “The Meidan Square proposal will be beautiful for tourists and residents alike, while also connecting Bahrain Financial Harbour directly with Bab Al Bahrain through a much more attractive urban experience.
“At the same time, underground parking will help solve parking issues and improve business activity in the old Manama Suq.”
Dr Ahmedi said he was even prepared to help attract investors and developers if authorities gave the proposal the green light.
“I can personally bring several bidders for the project because investors understand the value of this location,” he said.
Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah described the proposal as a transformational opportunity for the capital. “Manama deserves landmark developments that preserve heritage while creating commercial and tourism value,” he said.
“This project can completely change the atmosphere of the area by creating a destination rather than just a parking lot. It reflects the direction Bahrain is taking towards smarter urban planning and better utilisation of strategic land.”
Meanwhile, board vice-chairwoman Dr Khulood Al Qattan said the proposal could inject new life into one of Bahrain’s most historic districts.
“Old Manama has character, history and cultural identity, but it also needs modern projects that encourage people to stay longer and explore,” she said. “A properly designed meidan with restaurants, arts and public spaces can revive the area socially and economically while supporting tourism and local businesses.”
If approved, the project could become one of the most dramatic makeovers in old Manama in decades – turning a tired sea of parked cars into a lively urban destination at the gateway to Bahrain’s historic heart.
One of the most famous internationally is located in Georgia. It is the vibrant, beating heart of Old Tbilisi. Dating back to the 4th century, it was once a bustling Silk Road trading hub and, today, it serves as a central tourist epicentre filled with lively cafes, rooftop restaurants and a subterranean Meidan Bazaar.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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