MANAMA, 18 July 2004 — Real estate developer Mubarak Abdul Aziz Al-Hassawi yesterday announced the launch of his newest real estate investment, a 24-storied twin tower “West Gate Tower.”
Speaking at a press conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Al-Hassawi expressed his confidence in MI’MAR Architecture & Engineering as the consultants for the development, design and implementation of the “landmark” project, located at the old souk of Manama’s western entry. The name recalls the historical importance of Bab Al-Bahrain as the trading gate to Manama.
The tastefully designed complex is a state-of-the-art building that will cater to the city’s requirements for residential, commercial and office space. With environmentally conscious high-tech facilities in an energy-efficient setting, the towers provide optimum living and working conditions. The two towers (North and South) that make up the architectural work are linked at the lower floors and upper floors each catering to different functions. The North Tower is designed for residential usage with high-end apartments equipped with an exclusive tenants’ health & fitness club located on the 18th floor offering a fully equipped gym and an aerobics hall, an exclusive tenants’ coffee shop, changing & shower facilities, Spa and grooming outlets supplemented by the open air swimming pool and pool deck on the 19th floor immediately above.
The South Tower is designed as office floors. Each floor can be configured to suit from one to four businesses or several floors can be joined into one business unit, each unit equipped with provisions for all high-tech facilities and services. An exclusive business center on the 18th floor equipped with state of the art conference and meeting facilities, a tenants’ executive dining hall and lounge seating providing secretarial and business assistance services.
The ground, mezzanine and first floor have been designed for retail occupation with comprehensive facilities providing lifts, escalators and on the first floor inter-linkage across Sheikh Khalifa Avenue between the North and South Mall. The car park facilities are located on the second to the sixth floor, linked across the Sheikh Khalifa Avenue providing entry from Government Avenue and exit to Sheikh Hamad Avenue.
West Gate Towers represents Al-Hassawi’s latest project, which confirms his belief and commitment to investments in Bahrain and in particular his commitment to the redevelopment of the inner city of Manama.
“The development was made possible by Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa ibn Salman Al-Khalifa, whose recent announcement of new building codes for the Greater Manama City are aimed at facilitating foreign and local investments into development projects for the benefit of the people of Bahrain,” Al-Hassawi said.
“The project has been developed as an economically viable project contributing to the growth and development of the Kingdom in line with the aims of the Economic Development Board chaired by Crown Prince Sheikh Salman ibn Hamad Al-Khalifa,” Al-Hassawi added.
“We’ve received full support and endorsement of the Municipal Council who view the project as a stepping stone for the rejuvenation of the Manama Inner City for the benefit and prosperity of the people of the Kingdom,” Al-Hassawi said, adding that the building complex will also serve as a springboard for other investments into an area steeped in history and traditions, leading to a new and prosperous era for the old souk.”
Playing a vital role in the implementation of the project is Minister of Municipalities & Agriculture Dr. Mohamed ibn Ali Al-Sitri through his rapid issuance of the building permit for the project. The ministry was also instrumental in clearing technical issues and facilitating the understanding of the statutory requirements in accordance with the new building codes.
Minister of Public Works & Housing Fahmi Jowder, facilitated the coordination with the ministry’s directorates to ensure that traffic impact and parking facilities would meet the requirements of the area. The car park facilities will provide car park facilities in excess of the requirements with a total capacity of 284 cars.
Al-Hassawi, also a noted philanthropist, has continuously supported the development of Bahrain and was instrumental in the creation of the Bahrain Car Parks Company, which led to the design and construction of the first multistoried car park building in Bahrain.
