Bahrain Bay, the kingdom’s master-planned $2.5 billion waterfront community, has awarded the main contract for the construction of the iconic Four Seasons Hotel to Belgian-based Six Construct.

This selection signals the beginning of Phase Two of the project, which includes the podium and tower construction. Work will begin on November30 with a target construction completion date of April 2014.

The hotel's construction is expected to inject BD300 million ($795.62 million) into Bahrain's economy.

Bob Vincent, Bahrain Bay CEO, said: “This project takes on much more significance than a stand-alone development. The commencement of the main contract for the Four Seasons Bahrain Bay is seen as an important commitment to re-invigorating construction in Bahrain and bringing a fresh focus to real estate lending by local banks.

“In addition, the flow-on effects of more than 2,000 jobs during construction; participation by local Bahrain sub-contractors and suppliers during the development and more than 700 permanent jobs; will all serve to demonstrate a turnaround in the Bahrain economy,” he said.

The competitive tender adhered to international tendering procedures with bids from international, regional and local companies. From an original list of 21 firms, it was awarded to Six Construct who brings an exemplary track record of construction projects across the globe, including the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa Tower in Dubai, Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace Hotel, The Armani Hotel, Dubai, and many more industry-leading projects.

The Four Seasons Hotel at Bahrain Bay will be the latest in the five-star chain’s prestigious portfolio of international properties. At 201 meters tall, 50-storeys, and 263 guest rooms, the hotel complex is set to bolster Bahrain’s hospitality credentials, and set a new standard in luxury accommodation.

Complete with five-star spa and leisure facilities, suspended ‘Sky Pod’ restaurant, first-class banqueting and conferencing capabilities, four fine dining outlets, and panoramic views for guestrooms and suites, the project has been designed to lead Bahrain’s hotel offerings into a new era.

The project implementation will be co-ordinated by the Bahrain Bay management team, and as such the hotel’s construction will exhibit the same leading-edge contemporary design and project management efficiency that has positioned Bahrain Bay as the country’s highest profile waterfront community, said a statement.

 “As Four Seasons is one of the world’s foremost hospitality brands, this project demands leading construction expertise. Six Construct’s bid demonstrated this expertise, and initiating this new phase with them is another clear indicator of Bahrain Bay’s ongoing progress and its status as one of the region’s leading real-estate investments” said Vincent.

Philippe Dessoy, general manager, Six Construct, said “We are excited to begin work on the Four Seasons Hotel project, and also to be given a chance to further demonstrate our construction excellence by contributing to a high-profile project such as Bahrain Bay. As with all our projects, we anticipate a timely completion on schedule and on-budget.”

Scott Woroch, executive VP Worldwide Development at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, said: “Bahrain has firmly established itself as a leading financial hub for the Gulf region. We look forward to catering to the needs of the business and leisure traveller as well as the corporate and group segments. We are confident that Bahrain Bay provides Four Seasons with a prestige location through which to serve tomorrow’s guests.”

Phase One – the enabling works – of the Four Seasons Hotel project was completed in summer 2011, and included the moving of over 40,000 cu m of earthworks, and over 7,000 cu m of concrete poured into over 800 separate piles.  – TradeArabia News Service