Bahrain: BUILDING work at the long-stalled $700 million residential project Villamar, near Bahrain Financial Harbour, is one step closer towards restarting now as an engineering consultant has been appointed.
Owner Gulf Holding Company announced the appointment of international Danish engineering consultancy COWI yesterday, adding that it was “a vital step” towards the launch of construction activities on the site.
Villamar consists of three twisting towers that is set to contain 850 apartments and “floating sky villas” once complete, alongside shops and a promenade.
COWI, who were appointed following a review of the project’s structural status by both local and international experts, will oversee construction work and ensure contractor compliance.
“Our commitment to complete Villamar reflects our sincere financial and ethical obligations towards our community and announcing the recovery of Bahrain’s real estate market and completing its business skyline,” said Gulf Holding Company chief executive Majed Al Khan, who thanked the government for their help in bringing the project closer to completion.
“With this new agreement in place, we are now able to progress with the development of the project.
“We are very excited about our partnership with COWI, which is a world-class consultancy firm and are looking forward to taking the project to the next level by ensuring that efficient top quality procedures are being followed on-site.
“The contractor has already started re-mobilising the site and all inspection, equipment maintenance and remedial works have begun.”
First announced in 2006, Villamar was originally scheduled for completion in 2009 but faced several delays – compounded by the global financial crisis.
Its three half-built twisting towers off the north coast of Manama are a well-known eyesore on the city’s skyline.
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