A stalled BD20 million ($53 million) revamp of the Isa Town market which will pave way for 400 new stalls as well as parking spaces for 1,500 vehicles, is finally going ahead,  it has emerged.

The project is going ahead despite complaints from traders at the market, who are worried about potential rent increases, said a report in the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

The GDN had reported last month that the project had been put on hold by the Kuwaiti owner, sparking calls for the market to be relocated altogether.

However, the owner has now agreed to continue with renovations that include demolishing the existing market, Central Municipal Councillor Ghazi Al Hamer told the GDN.

He said it would be replaced with a three-storey complex featuring shops, restaurants, coffee shops and public services.

There will also be 400 stalls, both indoor and outdoor, as well as parking spaces for 1,500 vehicles, and improved electricity and water facilities.

However, Al Hamer argued the revamp was long overdue - saying many stallholders were already missing rent payments. "A lot of traders don't pay their monthly rent," he said.

"The market is in an obvious state of chaos, especially during the weekend, and needs to be put in order as the situation is currently uncivilised and unhealthy.

"Not only do lots of traders showcase their goods on sidewalks, the market also lacks safety measures. There have been fires at one furniture store twice before."

Al Hamer revealed traders had already succeeded two years ago in forcing the cancellation of a major upgrade that would have cost BD45 million, even though the council gave it the green light.

"During the past two years, the project was raised and cancelled twice due to numerous complaints by traders who stoked public opinion and wrote to several local newspapers to delay the project," he added.

"Additionally, they gathered at the market and protested against it (the revamp) despite the fact that they had previously submitted a request to the Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Ministry to improve the market.

"They have also recently approached me as they are afraid of an increase in rent."

However, he said the project was vital for people who live in the area and revealed residents had complained of traffic congestion caused by shoppers parking outside people's homes.

"A large number of residents raised the issue of the market creating huge traffic congestion and an increase of parked cars in front of homes, which makes it difficult for them to get in and out of the area during the weekends," said Al Hamer.

He revealed there were plans to relocate traders to nearby open space while work was underway on the new market, with Salmabad a possible location for a temporary market until the new Isa Town complex is constructed.

However, many traders continue to object to the plans - fearing a massive increase in rents in the new-look market complex and claiming it would destroy the colourful atmosphere.

One said he currently paid BD15 a month plus utilities, but feared the cost of renting space would rocket to BD500 a month in the new complex.

"I have been here for over 10 years," the second-hand furniture dealer told the GDN on condition of anonymity.

"If the shopping complex was built, I would not be able to pay rent or afford used items that I sell to customers.

"This project will kill the traditional flavour of this market and customers will no longer feel the spirit and taste that the market brings."

Another trader, who also asked not to be named, said the modern complex would destroy the feel of the market.

"It's a simple life in this market, which brings people from different nationalities, ethnicities and sects together," said the 35-year-old.

"Losing the market will mean losing the present atmosphere of people coming just to enjoy their time."

Nabeel Al Safar, owner of Nabeel Ahmed Majeed Al Safar Second-Hand Furniture, said he feared he would be unable to support his three children if rents were increased.

That is because he not only faced a massive rent hike, but would also have to formalise his business operation.

"I've had this store for over 10 years and my family relies entirely on it," said Mr Al Safar.

"I was told that I will have to pay BD400 a month, compared to BD15 now.

"Moving to the new complex will also require having a Commercial Registration and residence permits for all my employees."

Jamal Al Ghaly, a 52-year-old transport company boss, said he feared that shoppers would also lose out - arguing that higher rents would lead to higher prices.

"This market is not only beneficial for the traders with low incomes, but also for customers who don't have enough to afford new furniture," said Al Ghaly.

"Moving to a new market will negatively affect everyone, traders will need to raise their prices and customers will refuse to buy used furniture at a high price and will prefer spending their money on new furniture.

"Additionally, a large number of customers come all the way from other GCC countries to buy antiques they don't find anywhere else," he added.-TradeArabia News Service