More than 70 per cent of the piling and foundation work on Raffles City Bahrain, the kingdom’s first internationally-branded mixed-use development, has been completed and the substructure is taking shape in readiness for work to begin on the towers.

The bulk of the estimated total excavation quantity of 400,000 cu m of soil has been completed, forming one of the largest basement excavation works in Bahrain, a spokesman for the developer tells Gulf Construction.
The project is on target for phased completion from the end of 2010.
The mixed-use development, which is Singaporean developer CapitaLand’s first integrated development in the GCC, will make up 20 per cent of the built-up area of Bahrain Bay, Bahrain’s premium residential, entertainment and business district in the heart of Manama.
Recipient of the CNBC Arabian Property Awards in the category “Best Property Bahrain, Raffles City Bahrain is located at a prime waterfront location within a bay on a man-made island connected to the mainland by two bridges off the northeast coast of Manama.
The 43,000-sq-m luxury waterfront development features an iconic, stepped architectural design, which has been conceived as a series of concentric waves inspired by the intrinsic geometry and spectacular views of the bay and the sea.
The project features three curve-shaped high-rise apartment towers that stand out from their surroundings. Other striking aspects of the development are its lush greenery and water features.
Commenting on the project, Wong Heang Fine, CEO of CapitaLand GCC Holdings and ILEC (Integrated Leisure, Entertainment and Conventions), says: “We hope that our involvement in this landmark development and the setting up of the Raffles City Bahrain Fund will serve as a springboard for investors to participate in the growing financial and tourism hubs in the GCC, while contributing to the fast growing Sukuk market in this region.
“We are proud to extend the Raffles City name to this exciting integrated development and the related fund. We have assembled the best team for the conceptualisation, design and construction of the project and are confident that Raffles City Bahrain will be the preferred address within the kingdom.”

Quality
Raffles City Bahrain will offer more than 600 beautifully-sculptured luxurious freehold apartments, exclusive landscaped sky villas, penthouses, high-end retail and five-star serviced residences, all designed by world-renowned architect Rafael Vinoly. Vinoly is famous for his magnificent creations such as the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business and the Tokyo International Forum, Museum of Modern Arab Art (Qatar), Oxford University masterplan and the City College of New York.
Residents of Raffles City Bahrain will enjoy the stunning bay and city views and walkways leading to a waterfront promenade and Central Plaza. Gourmet food and signature restaurants nestle beside a waterfront that will host a wide variety of events and entertainment amidst lush greenery, fountains and water features.
In addition to one to three-bedroom residential apartments, five-bedroom penthouses and sky villas, Raffles City Bahrain will incorporate a 200-room five-star serviced residences called The Ascott.
 “The Raffles City lifestyle and retail area is set to become Bahrain’s signature shopping experience, fusing elegance with modernity to create a unique indoor shopping destination,” says the spokesman for CapitaLand. “The mall will cater to a niche clientele of the well-travelled and fashion-savvy from the region. Spanning 92,380 sq m, it will be complemented by a full array of waterfront food and beverage outlets, ranging from casual bistros and cafes to fine dining restaurants, featuring a variety of international cuisines.”
So, what sets Raffles City Bahrain apart from the myriad offerings currently available?
He replies: “No other development in Bahrain can offer a truly integrated living experience with such unparalleled quality of architecture and unique surroundings that is being offered by Bahrain Bay.
“It is also backed by a well-established delivery track record by its developer, CapitaLand, which has executed high-end mixed-use real estate projects flawlessly throughout the world. Raffles City Bahrain will take living and leisure in Bahrain to new heights, by offering a holistic and fulfilling experience for discerning homeowners, cosmopolitan shoppers and visitors in search of a special experience. It will be the location where reality surpasses expectations.”
Raffles City is a CapitaLand brand, renowned on the international property scene as an icon of Singapore. The Raffles City brand originates 21 years ago with the first Raffles City in Singapore, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect I M Pei. The branded integrated developments have been acclaimed globally as premier lifestyle destinations, as well as for their valuable investment opportunities.

Raffles Cities league
With this project, Bahrain will be one of six cities to welcome Raffles City Developments, joining the ranks of Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu and Hangzhou.
Commenting on the brand, the spokesman says: “Raffles City aims to accommodate the demand for bespoke and luxury living, and is associated with iconic design, whilst being synonymous with unique taste, style and excellence.
“Each of the Raffles City developments varies in composition, but is consistent in offering quality in both design and facilities. The descriptor ‘city’ signifies the central location and integrated nature of these developments. They are located in “gateway cities” such as Raffles City Singapore and Raffles City Shanghai, which are already complete, and the four others which are under way, including Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou and Bahrain.
“Each city has its own distinct character, with Raffles City Singapore being a prime landmark located within the Central Business District, comprising Raffles City Office Tower, Raffles City Shopping Centre, two hotels, as well as the Raffles City Convention Centre. Raffles City Shanghai's retail podium features well-known brands from Southeast Asia and its office tower, one of the tallest office buildings in Shanghai, is home to many well-known multinational companies. Bahrain’s Raffles City will embody the best of its predecessors while creating its very own unique style.”

High demand
Within three weeks of the private sales launch, 80 per cent of the units in one of Raffles City’s residential towers were booked. Public sales were launched at Cityscape Dubai last October, and CapitaLand expects to see a high response rate from the region and beyond.