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MANAMA’s coastline could be in line for major development, with news that Al Fateh Corniche had been earmarked for a revamp.
Most businesses renting space at the location are restricted to 12-month lease extensions, meaning they could be evicted once new blueprints are drawn up.
Only Coral Bay and its C Hotel have been granted a multi-year lease, under an agreement reached with the Capital Trustees Authority.
Work is already underway nearby on the flagship Bahrain Marina project, a residential and leisure development coming up next to the Bahrain National Museum.
Meanwhile, the GDN reported on Thursday that the King Faisal Corniche, opposite Reef Island, had also been earmarked for development.
The Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry is now studying options for Al Fateh Corniche, which could potentially spell the end for existing facilities like Dolphin Resort Bahrain and Funland.
“We still don’t know what would remain at the new-look corniche, what will go or when,” said Municipalities Affairs Under-Secretary Dr Nabeel Abu Al Fateh.
“This is why we have placed all businesses on short-term yearly contracts, so we can easily get them out if their locations are planned for something else.
“There are several ideas on what the corniche will look like, but we are seeking attractive investments that match its value and make the place something exquisite and unique.”
The Al Fateh Corniche is a popular picnic destination for families, particularly during the cooler months.
A previous project to develop the shoreline, which stretches from the Ahmed Al Fateh Islamic Centre (Grand Mosque) to the museum, was scheduled to begin in 2010.
However, a funding shortfall and the ministry’s decision to reject proposals for “technical reasons” meant it never started.
Mr Abu Al Fateh admitted that a facelift was long overdue, particularly with some sections in a state of disrepair.
“The corniche is Manama’s most popular destination, as it falls between two bustling areas – Hoora and Juffair,” he said.
“Hundreds of people visit it on a daily basis.
“Its crumbling state doesn’t fall in line with any vision of how such an attraction should look. Its development is long overdue.
“Development has been regularly postponed for various reasons, but we are working on various options as concepts.”
Meanwhile, Capital Trustees Authority director general Shuwqia Humaidan said existing businesses would be given advance notice if their contracts would not be renewed.
She added they would also have the option of submitting new bids for their existing location, when it was put out to tender.
“Businesses at the corniche have been understanding of our conditions when we renew their lease,” she said.
“Whenever it is time to develop their section of the corniche, they will be told.
“Successful bidders (for the right to operate on the land), even if it is an existing business with a new concept, will be asked to start work on their new projects immediately.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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