Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
A NEW BD50 million apartment and leisure complex at Al Bander Hotel and Resort, Sitra, was given the initial go-ahead after six months of negotiations.
The Central Municipal Council decided to give it the green light after councillors visited the site and discussed terms with developers.
The 22-storey, three-tower project will be built on an area of 149,123 sqm and include 182 apartments, as well as parking for 182 cars on the first two floors and outdoor car parks.
It will also include leisure areas, swimming pools, a health club, multi-function hall, a games hall, cafes and restaurants.
The project will be family-oriented and the investor has agreed to help donate and provide services to the community nearby, in addition to employing the jobless in the area.
However, before the council gives its final approval the investor must seek permission from concerned ministries and government organisations to make sure reclamation activities for the project will not harm the environment.
The project was submitted to the council in November, but councillors asked for time to study it before giving approval.
Council chairman Abdulrahman Al Hassan said the project was the largest investment ever submitted to the Central Governorate.
"The investor agreed verbally to our terms before even our visit to the site or negotiations and we are just waiting for him to ink it out," he said.
"One of the things he had no objection to is having an aquarium at the entrance of the current resort that will be free to the public to visit.
"Part of the beach would be developed for the public, where a new walkway would also be built."
