Merchants at one of Bahrain's oldest markets, that is set to get a BD1.45 million ($3.82 million) facelift, will be moved to a temporary air conditioned location soon.

Bulldozers will start demolishing the 35-year-old rundown Muharraq Central Market next month, but traders had refused to leave until a suitable alternative was provided.

The Muharraq Municipal Council agreed to set up a temporary marketplace near the Loyalists Square in Busaiteen until the project is completed, which could take up to two years, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

Councillors will meet the merchants this week to finalise the move and divide them into different air conditioned tents.

The scheme, which is being funded by the Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Ministry, will improve facilities for traders and customers.

The new market will feature a modern shopping centre and separated sections for meat, fruit and vegetables and fish.

It will also include a special area for productive families, a Central Informatics Organisation office and a recycling point.

"Now, the merchants will be moved to a suitable location in Busaiteen nearby the Loyalists Square in air conditioned tents resembling meat, fruit and vegetables and fish markets as the ministry starts demolition work and rebuilding the marketplace," said area councillor Fatema Salman.

"In the next few days we will have merchants come to the council and accordingly get divided into tents and sign agreements, considering that the tents will be rented out."

Salman said rebuilding the market was a cost-effective project compared to carrying out renovation work.

"The 35-year-old marketplace has just undergone minor renovation over the years," she said.

"This has led to the culmination of problems and downgrade in all standards.

"When earlier presented with plans to renovate it, we were told it would cost BD1.2 million, but if we wanted to rebuild it then it would cost BD1.45 million, so we chose the latter."

She said the market did not have proper drainage systems and traders were suffering from foul smell.

"The facilities are dirty and stained because proper hygiene methods are not being used despite the derelict nature of the place," she stated.

"There are not enough restrooms and the current toilets are filthy due to negligence and improper usage," she added.-TradeArabia News Service