The Avenues-Bahrain, a premier waterfront shopping and entertainment destination situated along Bahrain Bay in the capital, is set for a significant transformation as Phase Two of its development nears completion. The $200-million expansion will add 41,200 sq m of leasable space, bringing the total leasable area across both phases to approximately 80,000 sq m.

Phase Two will enhance the existing complex with several new districts, each boasting a unique architectural character.

The Avenues-Bahrain extension, led by Bahrain-based developer Bareeq Alretaj with designs by Gensler and construction by Nass Contracting, is currently 95 per cent complete.

Façade installations for the main entrances are under way, and the project is in its testing and commissioning stage. Construction is expected to wrap up in the first quarter of 2025.

The $200-million expansion will add 41,200 sq m of leasable space.

The design of The Avenues-Bahrain is inspired by The Avenues-Kuwait that gives visitors an outdoor feeling while remaining indoors, protected from the heat by a ceiling that allows sunlight in. The concept belongs to Kuwait-based developer Mabanee, which is developing several mixed-used destinations in the region under The Avenues portfolio with strategic, strong local partners, following the success of its first project in its home market.

Key Highlights

Phase Two of The Avenues-Bahrain introduces 237 new retail units, two entertainment areas, an ice rink, and a supermarket, along with basement parking facilities. It also features an extended promenade, adding 600 m along the west of Manama’s seafront to create a 1.3-km waterfront experience, making it the largest shopping and entertainment destination of its kind in Bahrain.

In May 2024, The Avenues-Bahrain announced the signing of an agreement which will see the 12th LuLu Hypermarket in the kingdom open within the mall’s Phase Two expansion project.

Phase Two of The Avenues-Bahrain will introduce new districts exemplified by sophisticated designs, serving as an extension of the existing Grand Avenue of Phase One. This extension incorporates several new districts, significantly enriching the selection of stores and brands available to visitors. Among these are The Forum, Grand Plaza, Electra, and the Souk, each showcasing its own unique identity through distinct architectural styles that draw inspiration from both modern and traditional concepts.

Façade installation work for the main entrances is under way.

These additions aim to diversify and enhance the shopping experience for visitors.

Adjacent to the Phase Two expansion, a Waldorf Astoria hotel is planned for completion by 2028, further enhancing the site’s appeal as a luxury destination. The Waldorf Astoria Bahrain Bay will feature 120 elegantly designed rooms and apartments.

Sustainability and Smart Building Solutions

Phase Two incorporates a suite of green and smart building technologies, setting a benchmark for sustainable construction in the region.

For instance, in the construction of the mall’s extension, post-tensioned structural slabs have been used, thus reducing steel and concrete usage. For improved thermal performance, the complex features ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene)-insulated roofs and EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems) wall cladding; while to minimise energy consumption, solar reflective roof paint (cool roof paint) and high-performance double glazing has been utilised.

XPS thermal insulation has been installed behind all external façade cladding materials, like stone and aluminium.

Phase Two of The Avenues-Bahrain will introduce new districts.

Among other sustainability-focused features are the deployment of district cooling systems, motion-sensor lighting for all public area toilets and back-of-house (BOH) areas, and energy recovery units to optimise resource use. Electric vehicle (EV) charging provisions have been installed in the basement parking; while a solar panel car-parking shade structure will be erected for ground-level parking.

In addition, infrastructure such as piping is in place for a grey water re-use system, ready for future activation when the waste water treatment plant is installed.

As the final stages of construction progress, The Avenues-Bahrain Phase Two is poised to redefine retail and entertainment experiences, cementing its status as a landmark destination in the Gulf region.