| The Avenues | |
| Opening Date: | 29th of October 2017 |
| Developer: | King Faisal Corniche Development Company |
| Owner: | Alshayaa Company |
| Floor Area: | 273000m2 |
| Floors: | 1 |
The Avenues is a waterfront shopping center situated along Bahrain Bay, in Manama, Bahrain. Developed by the King Faisal Corniche Development Company, the $186 million (BD90 million) development spans a total area of 273000m2 along a 1.5km (00.9miles) seafront corniche. Construction began in September 2014 and the project was initially slated to be completed by February 2017.[1] It was officially opened to the public on 29 October 2017.[2] [3]
The project is the creation of the King Faisal Corniche Development Company, a venture by Bahraini investors in partnership with the retailer M. H. Alshaya and the Kuwait-based Mabanee Corporation, who are the owners of The Avenues Kuwait, one of the largest malls in the world.[4] Funding for the project was provided by the Kuwait Finance House. Worksite construction was contracted to the Nass Corporation B.S.C.[5] The MEP contractor is Airmech W.L.L. The lead project consultant is the Mohamed Salahuddin Consulting Engineering Bureau and the design consultancy awarded to Gensler.[6]
The foundation stone on the development was laid by the deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa in September 2014.[7] In January 2016, the Mabanee corporation announced delays to the project, citing design changes.[8]
Centred around a family-friendly environment and hoping to boost family tourism to Bahrain, the 273000m2 development will feature numerous playgrounds, outdoor jogging tracks and a gym, waterfront restaurants, cafes, arcades, a souq and cinemas.[7] A total of 75000m2 of land is allocated to gardens, a 40m wide promenade, and public parks.[6] The total leasable area is 38000m2, accounting for 15% of the total development area.[4] Planned parking facilities can accommodate up to 1,400 vehicles.[1]
Owing to the site's close proximity with iconic landmarks, the developers opted to limit the vertical height of the mall to one floor. It has been a popular location in recent times [4]
The mall also features a water taxi service that transports passengers to and from the development, from various jetties around Bahrain.[4]