Long-awaited work has begun to restore parking and improve access to the Old Muharraq Suq, with road closures, widened pavements and oversized planters being removed following sustained pressure from MPs, municipal councillors and traders.
The move marks the first visible step in efforts to revive one of Bahrain’s oldest commercial districts after months of complaints that the redevelopment had driven customers away and severely affected businesses.
Area MP Hisham Al Awadhi revealed that the redesign would ultimately create 120 parking spaces, with 45 spaces to be delivered in the first phase.
“Work has started on removing the road closures, widened pavements and large planters that have reduced accessibility to the market,” Mr Al Awadhi said.
“The first phase will provide 45 parking spaces, while the overall project will create 120 spaces. Before reconstruction begins, underground utility services will also be inspected and maintained to ensure the work is completed properly and sustainably.”
The initiative follows months of mounting concern from traders, many of whom blamed the previous revamp for an acute parking shortage that discouraged shoppers and led to declining business.
Last year, business owners warned that around 30 shops had closed after the redevelopment reduced parking capacity, with many customers choosing to avoid the historic marketplace because they could not find convenient places to park.
The latest works form part of wider efforts to restore the balance between preserving Muharraq’s heritage character and ensuring the traditional market remains commercially viable.
The Works Ministry is also preparing a broader redevelopment of Shaikh Hamad Avenue, while a multi-storey car park is under construction at the former Muharraq Post Office site to provide a long-term solution to parking shortages.
Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar said the Works Ministry had officially begun modifying and expanding parking on Shaikh Hamad Avenue following extensive co-ordination between the council, traders and the ministry.
“The plans were developed after a series of engineering and technical meetings, with traders directly involved in shaping the final design,” he said.
“Once completed, there will be 108 to 120 new parking spaces at the entrance to the suq near Al Shawatra and in future a further 83 spaces extending along Shaikh Hamad Avenue towards the end of the road near Matai Mutawalli.
“Additional parking will also be created on the road leading to Al Hilal Hospital, while co-ordination is underway to provide even more parking areas close to the suq, which will be announced soon.”
“Our priority has always been to improve traffic flow, provide additional parking and create a more convenient experience for shoppers and visitors while preserving the historic and commercial identity of the Old Muharraq Suq. These improvements will strengthen business activity and support the continued development of Muharraq without compromising its heritage.”
Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman MP Khalid Bu Onk welcomed the decision, saying it was an important step towards bringing life back to the historic market.
“This move will restore attention to the Old Muharraq Suq and help bring businesses back,” Mr Bu Onk said.
“The market is one of Bahrain’s most important heritage destinations, and improving accessibility will encourage more visitors, support traders and strengthen commercial activity.”
The removal of the controversial features comes after Parliament unanimously called for reversing elements of the previous redesign, arguing that reduced parking and traffic bottlenecks had significantly affected visitor numbers.
Legislators also urged the government to restore the original parking layout, improve access and explore additional parking solutions around the heritage district.
The latest works are expected to provide immediate relief for traders while paving the way for a wider transformation aimed at ensuring the Old Muharraq Suq remains both a thriving commercial hub and one of Bahrain’s most treasured cultural landmarks.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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