A NEW commercial complex could spring up around Bahrain National Stadium, under a proposal approved by the Southern Municipal Council yesterday.
It gave the Youth and Sport Affairs Ministry the go-ahead to seek private sector investment on empty land behind the stadium.
The aim is to increase visitor numbers to the site and develop it as a lively leisure hub with a shopping mall, cinemas, shops selling traditional products and other tourist attractions.
“People don’t need necessarily to come to the stadium to watch a football match, other sporting events or concerts for the lights to be on,” said council chairman and area councillor Ahmed Al Ansari, who is spearheading the initiative.
“The stadium could be part of a commercial district that incorporates other attractions. It has sufficient parking spaces, but may need more for the commercial district.
“The Youth and Sport Affairs Ministry has plots registered under its name that it could offer to investors to build a mall, a cineplex, traditional products outlets and tourist facilities.
“The location would become lively throughout the year and could generate income for sports facilities across Bahrain, which are still awaiting funding.
“Seef Mall Muharraq is an excellent example.
“Muharraq Club is now self-sufficient, with revenue it gets from land on which the mall is situated used to fund ongoing activities and scouting projects – besides helping develop teams and get proper professional players.”
In addition, Mr Al Ansari said development of the site would allow support services – such as fast-food restaurants – to flourish.
“Someone who doesn’t want to eat a cheese sandwich or buy seeds from vendors outside the stadium could enjoy a nice meal from McDonald’s, for example, before sitting down for a match or to watch their favourite singer arrive on stage,” he said.
“There would be no need for people in the area to visit malls in Manama to buy clothes or waste time acquiring other services, since the same outlets would open near the stadium.”
Mr Al Ansari said he got the idea after studying plans for a new state-of-the-art international stadium, which is also planned for the Southern Governorate.
“We are in a period when every fils matters,” he said, referring to the impact of low oil prices on the national economy.
“Anything that attracts interest makes a difference.”
The GDN reported in September that two potential locations have been identified for a new international stadium, with a 50,000 capacity.
Designs include a retractable roof, international standard football pitch, athletics tracks and halls for basketball, handball, bowling, badminton and table tennis.
Debate
It was announced after a meeting between His Majesty King Hamad and Fifa president Gianni Infantino in June and plans also include a hypermarket, underground shopping complex and cinemas.
Planners were also debating whether it should have an Olympic-size swimming pool and sports academies.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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