Beirut Waterfront Development (BWD), a joint venture between Lebanese developer Solidere and Stow Waterfront, has announced the launch of Zaitunay Bay, its ambitious tourism project.

The project, designed by renowned expert Steven Holl in collaboration with Lebanese architect Nabil Gholam, comprises residential, commercial and recreational facilities.

Once ready, the project will boast of around 12,000 sq m of fully-serviced, furnished units for sale, said Stow Waterfront.

Stow is an international property investment, development and management company with operations in the UK and the Middle East.

There will also be an 800-member yacht club and a health and fitness center, in addition to 9,000 sq m of commercial areas.

Speaking at the launch, BWD chairman Farouk Kamal said, "Located on Beirut Marina and named after this once famous Zaitunay area – which is rightfully earning the reference of “carré d’or “ of Beirut – Zaitunay Bay promises to be much more than a promenade."

"Currently hidden behind walled galleries of the glitz and glamour that once symbolized Beirut, Zaitunay Bay will soon host 17 carefully-selected restaurants and 5 retail outlets in a vehicle free environment accessible through 7 pedestrian access points with adjacent underground public parking facilities," he revealed.

Kamal pointed out that in many ways, Zaitunay Bay will have an impact that will ripple through the country.

“Through this ambitious project, Lebanon will have a new touristic destination, creating new jobs and bolstering the economy into one reminiscent of Beirut glorious past," he observed.

On the project opening, Kamal said, "The first skillets of the delicious restaurants that will be featured on Zaitunay Bay are due to start sizzling by September."

According to him, a major highlight of the Zaitunay Bay is its “made by Lebanese” label.

BWD, he said, was eager to promote Lebanese expertise behind the making of Zaitunay Bay starting with executive architect Gholam down to supervision and maintenance, and all the way through to the restaurant and retail tenants who audaciously ventured into the creation of this destination.

"The design is an expression of the best that Beirut has to offer, with beautifully landscaped public areas featuring reflective pools on the rooftop of outlets, as well as vast areas for long lasting promenades," said Kamal.

With numerous festivals and open air activities already being planned, Zaitunay Bay is set to become an obvious haven for all year round visitors, both younger and older generations, expecting to enjoy La Dolce Vita of Beirut anytime of the day, he added.-TradeArabia News Service