Works on the Phase II expansion of The Avenues – Bahrain is expected to begin in Q3 of this year. The $159m expansion will add a leasable area of approximately 40,000sqm, bringing the gross leasable area of both phases to approximately 77,500sqm.

According to a statement, Phase II will add 218 stores and restaurants, two entertainment zones, a supermarket, and a basement car park with 1,330 parking spaces. It will feature new districts which are designed to provide visitors with a modern and exciting shopping experience, namely The Forum, Grand Plaza, Electra, The Souk, as well as an expansion of Grand Avenue which is currently very popular and a favorite of local and international visitors. Each district will have its unique character expressed through its architectural style inspired by modern design concepts, said the mall’s management team.

The project will also expand the public promenade by an additional 600m west along the waters of Bahrain Bay, which will turn the area into the largest entertainment centre facing the sea, with a total length of approximately 1.3km, the statement noted.

A spokesperson from the mall’s management team noted the project is expected to be complete by Q4 2023, having successfully obtained the necessary approvals from government authorities for reclamation and piling works, as well as the service re-routing during the third quarter of 2021, for the duration of seven to nine months. Both contracts are said to be valued at $21.2m.

The expansion plans will cement The Avenues – Bahrain as one of the favourite destinations for citizens, tourists, and businessmen alike from the Gulf region and beyond, especially after the opening of the Hilton Garden Inn-Bahrain Bay hotel, which includes 192 keys and is connected directly to The Avenues – Bahrain, the statement concluded.