Council Backs Leisure-Only Barbar Park Phase

TDT | Manama

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Northern Municipal Council approved a proposal on Monday to keep the second phase of Barbar Park limited to leisure use, restricting any investment on the site to facilities serving families, young people and park users.

The proposal, brought by council chairman and First Constituency representative Dr Sayed Shubbar Al Wedaie, calls for guarantees that the next phase will not go beyond the recreational and community uses agreed with specialists at the municipal projects department.

It recommends food stations, sports games, a walking and exercise track, seating areas and open green spaces. Any investment terms would require council approval and must serve the interests and rights of the local community.

The technical plan for the second phase shows proposed works covering about 10,000 square metres within a plot of around 18,484.5 square metres. The plan includes pitches, play areas, service buildings, food kiosks, seating areas, car parks and planted spaces.

The proposal stated that Barbar Park has seen a rise in visitors from across Bahrain since the first phase opened on October 5, 2023, leaving the existing space unable to cope with large numbers and strengthening the case for the second phase.

The council received the technical plan for the second phase on May 12, 2024, after meetings with the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture.

The proposal said the remaining part of the land marked for leisure services should be used to complete the park and provide more room for visitors, especially children and young people seeking outdoor sport and activities.

It cited Article 19 of the Municipalities Law, which gives municipal councils the power to propose local projects linked to parks, roads and public services, agree priorities with the relevant bodies, and decide on the creation and development of public gardens, parks and leisure areas.