The £245 million (US$ 450 million) complex “Villamar at the Harbour” will be first residential development to be built at the multibillion-pound Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH).  The developers also believe “Villamar at the Harbour” to be Bahrain’s most advanced waterfront residential complex, with a stunning design to compliment the surrounding natural environment.

“Villamar at the Harbour” was formally unveiled at a special launch event held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel & Spa - Bahrain on July 2nd.  Welcoming the launch of this new phase of BFH, Mr. Esam Janahi, Chairman of BFH, said: “We are extremely pleased with the launch of Villamar at the Harbour, the first residential development within BFH and therefore a milestone achievement.”  

Mr. Faisal Al Mutawa, Chairman of Bayan Investment Company, a major shareholder of Gulf Holding, said: “Bahrain has emerged as one of the most attractive real estate markets for investors in  the region. Looking into the future it is very clear that the Bahrain Financial Harbour will be  the focal point of the financial services industry in Bahrain and as such properties within it  will be amongst the most prime real estate in the country."

Al Mutawa continued: "There is a clear need to provide residential accommodation of this quality within easy reach of the offices and facilities of BFH. We see this model operating successfully in other international financial centres such as Canary Wharf in London.”

Cutting edge design

Commenting on the unique character of Villamar, Mr. Ahmed Al Ameer, Vice-Chairman of Gulf  Holding said: “We commissioned a highly regarded international firm of architects, NORR Group,  part of Ingenium Group, one of Canada’s largest design and construction firms, to create a  superior and dramatic design for Villamar that would maintain the overall look of the BFH  buildings.”

Located on a site of over 32,000 square metres, Villamar contains three design elements: The  Twisting Towers, the Floating Villas and the Terraced Podium. Scheduled for completion in June  2009, the development will comprise a total of 494 one to four bedroom apartments, 54 villas and  6 penthouses.  Facilities include a rooftop chairman’s club, health club & spa, swimming pools,  tennis courts and other recreational amenities. A boardwalk will host cafes, restaurants and  other leisure facilities at the waters edge.

Elaborating on the design of Villamar, Mr. Yahya Jan, Design Director of NORR Group, commented:  “The three gently Twisting Towers are undoubtedly dramatic. They range in height from 47 to 57  floors, and are clad in blue-green tinted glass to reflect the natural color of the seas off  Bahrain. These towers face the sea and provide wonderful views."

For more information on Bahrain Financial Harbour, please visit www.bfharbour.com/html/index.html