Original schedule affected by Al Dana tragedy
The iconic Bahrain World Trade Centre (BWTC) development will not be completed until the end of the year, it has been revealed.
A spokesperson for the DTZ Bahrain, marketing and leasing agents for the eagerly-awaited project, yesterday confirmed to Bahrain Tribune that a previously announced completion deadline of September would not be met.
The prestigious project was originally planned for completion in June of this year, but the original schedule was affected by the tragic death of at least 50 employees of companies involved with the project died in the Al Dana boat tragedy in March.
Understandable delays given the circumstances saw DTZ make a May announcement predicting that the project's pair of 50-storey office buildings and accompanying shopping mall would be completed by September.
However, it has been clear for some time to anyone passing the incomplete structure that more time would be required before the impressive project can be declared ready for business.
Construction work on the Bahrain World Trade Centre began in August 2004.
Last month the two towers, which soar above surrounding buildings and dominate the skyline of downtown Manama, were topped out - joining the ranks of the Middle East's tallest buildings.
Indeed when it is finally completed the project promises to be among the most significant recent developments in the capital.
Rising 240 metres into the air on an enviable stretch of Manama seafront the 50-storey office towers are expected to be the tallest building in the Kingdom.
There is, however, more to the development than just its eye-catching towers and they are designed to be part of a larger complex, which includes a modern shopping mall with over 150 retail outlets and boutiques and incorporates the five-star Sheraton Hotel.
BWTC already boasts a number of prominent business clients who will make their headquarters on the new site.
Kuwait Finance House Bahrain (KFH-B) will occupy eight floors of the west tower, and BankMuscat International and Saudi firm National Commercial Bank (NCB) have both leased seven floors of the east tower.
As well as being a high-profile business location in the region, the project's backers also hope the environmental features of the development will be recognised as innovative.
The completed structures will boats wind turbines which will contribute to the buildings energy needs - a set-up which DTA have said makes the twin towers the first of their kind in the world, using wind energy to provide 11-15 per cent of the electricity needs of the building.
By Mark Summers Business Reporter
© Bahrain Tribune 2006
