A multi-million-dinar industrial city will begin to take shape off the coast of Hidd in Bahrain by the end of next year, officials have confirmed.

The 600,000-square metre Investment Gateway Bahrain development, for which land is now being reclaimed, will house several light industrial projects, a business park, showrooms, warehouses and assembly units.

'A BD7 million reclamation project has already been underway since July and work is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2011,' said project developer Manara Developments managing-director Dr Hassan Al Bastaki.

'We will then start setting up the infrastructure, which will cost between BD8 million to BD10 million and go on till the end of next year.'

Dr Al Bastaki said several top industrial houses and companies had already expressed an interest in setting up projects in the development.

'Over the next few months, we hope there will be a lot more interest,' he told our sister newspaper Gulf Daily News (GDN).

Dr Al Bastaki said the interest of people living in the area and fishermen had been taken into account while planning the development.

'We are co-ordinating with the local authorities to address any concerns that local fishermen may have,' he said.

'We understand there are many who have their fishing traps in the area and these people have been compensated as per the rules of the Bahrain government.'

Dr Al Bastaki said the developers were also keen to provide facilities for residents.

'We have planned an open public beach and other facilities for the general public to use,' he said.

Companies and business houses are expected to begin moving in to the development after the infrastructure is completed and start to set up their own facilities.

'This process is expected to start after the infrastructure is completed,' said Dr Al Bastaki.

Dr Al Baskati said leading Chinese firm China Harbour Engineering Company, was carrying out the reclamation work.

'They are one of the best in the business and are taking care of the project using the latest techniques,' he added.

The project is being executed for Amar Holding Company, a conglomerate made up of local and overseas investors.-TradeArabia News Service