BAHRAIN’S markets are set for a major overhaul with plans for new ones, Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak has told MPs.
He unveiled a series of initiatives to rehabilitate and modernise central and popular markets across Bahrain, as well as plans to establish small commercial complexes to meet the needs of residents and visitors.
Responding to a question by MP Mohammed Al Rifai on markets, the minister underlined the government’s commitment to provide convenient and accessible commercial services in line with merchant requirements and the needs of local communities.
Several ongoing and completed projects aimed at enhancing market infrastructure include:
* Riffa Central Market: Undergoing rehabilitation.
* Muharraq Central Market: Established in partnership with the private sector.
* Manama Central Market: The first phase of a comprehensive development plan has been completed, including upgrades to parking areas, drainage systems and electrical facilities. The second phase will see the construction of a market wall, further rehabilitation of car parks, and consideration of relocating the wholesale vegetable and fruit market to another site.
Future key market projects include:
* East Hidd Central Fish Market: A property spanning 2,809 sqm has been allocated and development plans are underway.
* Sitra Central Market: An immediate plan involves relocating the market to a temporary site to maintain services. Long-term plans include establishing a permanent market with enhanced facilities and expanded parking.
* Jidhafs Central Market: A new location is being developed for this market, with plans to offer it as an investment opportunity in partnership with the private sector.
* Flea Market: The ministry is working with municipal councils to identify a suitable location and finalise project concepts to modernise the market.
Mr Al Mubarak also outlined plans to establish central markets in Bahrain’s new urban developments.
“A 10,008sqm property in Khalifa Town has been allocated for a central market, while land in East Hidd Town has been designated for a central fish market,” he said.
“In Salman and East Sitra Towns, land use will be determined by the relevant authorities, and future market projects will be subject to feasibility studies and investment opportunities.”
Mr Al Mubarak also said that Bahrain’s biggest Manama Central Market is set to witness a makeover through a package of development projects aimed at improving its infrastructure and modernising its public facilities.
In another response to a question by Parliament’s second deputy speaker Ahmed Qarata, the minister said a series of development projects, including parks, markets, waterfronts and intersections in all governorates were in the pipeline.
“These include constructing recreational sports fields in Eker, Jurdab, Isa Town and Sitra, along with developing an environmental park in Zinj (Block 332) and two community parks in East Sitra Housing Town (Block 619).
“Other notable projects include the rehabilitation and development of existing parks such as Ain Qassari, Al Khadr, Salmaniya parks (Blocks 309 and 326), Ain Umm Al Shaoom, Zinj Park, Abu Ghazal, Abu Asheerah, Gudaibiya park, and the Sitra Village park (Block 604).
“Additionally, Ibn Al Nafees park, Eker play area (Block 626), and Tubli Walkway are undergoing improvements.”
Mr Al Mubarak also highlighted projects such as upgrading Shaikh Khalifa Highway’s irrigation network in Seef, planting mangroves at the ministry’s Tubli nursery, and developing a waterfront project in Eker.
Other key initiatives include:
* Landscaping and beautification of the Shaikh Salman Avenue and Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Highway intersection (Salmaniya intersection).
* Beautification of Mina Salman, the bridge leading to Bahrain Bay, and Block 338 in Adliya.
* Enhancing the waterfront at King Faisal Corniche, Sitra Mall coastline and the Sitra Bridge Walkway.
Mr Al Mubarak also outlined the upgradation of public markets and investment projects, including redevelopment of the Sitra Central Market, development of the Jidhafs (Reef) Central Market, Seef Downtown 1 and 2 projects, investment and development of Tubli Bay Harbour, Phase Two of The Avenues project and the development and operation of the Lulu Commercial Complex.
Projects in the Capital Governorate Constituency Two included a park in Naim, which will feature a 54-metre-long and 20-metre-wide walkway, children’s play areas, fitness stations, family seating spaces and public facilities.
“Additionally, the ministry is working on redeveloping Manama Suq and rehabilitating the Manama Central Market,” said Mr Al Mubarak.
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