A new $30-million shopping mall, which will include a supermarket and three anchor restaurants as well as 23 retail units, is due to open during the second quarter of next year in Bahrain, a report said.

Work is under way on the mall in the Janabiya area of the kingdom, which is being built on  a 86,000-sq-ft plot, offering 48,500 sq ft of leasable area, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

The retail project is being funded by Kuwait Finance House through First Bahrain Real Estate Development Company, designed by Sanad Engineering and built by Almoayyed Contracting Group.

“The first thing you will notice about this facility is its outdoor garden experience, offering an alternative to the traditional indoor mall,” said First Bahrain chief executive Amin Al Arrayed.

“The facility will feature a landscaped courtyard with soothing water features, surrounded by restaurants and cafés.

“Anchored by a major supermarket, the facility will add value to the local community, providing the full range of necessities within a beautiful space to gather with friends and family in a natural environment.

“The facility will offer more than 160 covered parking spaces at ground level for quick entry and exit and a side café and a fast food restaurant with drive-through.”

First Bahrain business development manager Khalid Shaheen said several well-known brands had already submitted letters of interest.

“There is clearly strong demand for conveniently located retail space positioned to reach this underserved market,” he said.

Developing the project through its wholly-owned subsidiary FB Janabiya Residential Development Company, First Bahrain is expanding from its current investments in the industrial sector.- TradeArabia News Service