Manama Central Market set for fourth redevelopment stage from this year until 2028

TDT | Manama

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Central Market will move into a fourth redevelopment stage in 2025 to 2028, with the budget yet to be set.

Three stages have already been completed since 2017 at a cost of about BD2.296 million.

The next tranche will target core works, raising safety standards, improving services and renewing key parts of the site.

Planned tasks include security and fire-safety upgrades, new cabling and power networks, and better sewage and rainwater drainage.

Floors will be relaid and fitted with thermal insulation. Streets and walkways will be resurfaced.

Car parks will be expanded around the market and inside the fruit and vegetable section, with added spaces in front of the fish and meat markets.

The 2023 to 2024 stage delivered 12 projects.

Air-conditioning was overhauled and air condensers installed. Fly traps were added. Fire systems were improved.

Solar lighting

Air curtains went into the meat and fish halls. Solar lighting was introduced and 618 trees planted in open areas.

Public toilets were demolished and rebuilt.

The main canopy at the fish market was replaced.

Loading and unloading zones two and three were shaded, and over 55 per cent of shading was completed in zone one.

Funding to date stands at BD1.29 million for 2017 to 2019, BD101,500 for 2020 to 2022 and BD904,500 for 2023 to 2024.

The fourth-stage allocation has not yet been decided.

On a 141,302 square metre plot, the market contains 952 commercial units made up of stalls, shops, offices and cafés across four main sections for fruit and vegetables, meat and fish.

The programme is being carried out in partnership with the Capital Municipality, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority and the Ministry of Health.