An estimated $1 billion (BD378 million) development off Bahrain's northern coastline is now in the pipeline.

The 'Al Nurana' project was being kept under wraps until it receives the official go-ahead. However, images obtained exclusively by our sister newspaper Gulf Daily News indicate it would be a major residential development, which would be located not far from the historic Bahrain Fort.

It is being spearheaded by the Manara Development Company, which has already forwarded copies of the designs to the Northern Municipal Council for approval.

Negotiations are now underway with the company and members of the council's technical committee, while an environmental impact assessment is understood to have been submitted to the Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry.

The developer will have to meet strict conditions before councillors approve the project.

These could include charity payments of up to BD80,000 to help the nearby communities of Jid Al Haj, Janusan, Karranah and those living near Bahrain Fort.

Residents are also demanding a public coastline, a walkway and a jetty for fishermen, in addition to a sports hall for Karranah villagers and houses.

'The developer will also have to provide fair compensations to fishermen affected by the mass reclamation that would happen,' revealed area councillor Sayed Ameen Al Mousawi.

'We want cash support of BD80,000 to help fund charitable projects in Jid Al Haj, Janusan, Karranah and the fort's village, besides supporting the joint student fund,' he said.

'Residents are also demanding that developers leave space for a public coast, build a walkway and a fishermen's jetty, in addition to sports hall for Karranah villagers.'

However, full details are being kept under wraps by the council's technical committee, while officials at Manara Development Company have been unavailable for comment.

Al Mousawi said the developer had already agreed to a number of clauses, but others were still under negotiation.

He revealed residents were also seeking three public parks for the people of Karranah, Janusan and Jid Al Haj, which would be paid for by the developer.

'Employment in the project should be mainly for the village's youngsters, while the rest would be open for the developer to decide,' said Al Mousawi.

'That's not all, as we want 200 houses built and distributed among the village's residents currently on the Housing Ministry's waiting lists. We are currently finalising a deal with the developer and at the same time waiting for the Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry to complete a study presented by the developer on the impact the project might have on the area.

'The developer has already agreed to build numerous roads to help ease possible traffic congestion the area may have, but that's not all as more infrastructure is required.

'But that wouldn't be a problem since the investor would be obliged to fulfil this for construction to kick off.'-TradeArabia News Service