A retail consultant has been commissioned by Abu Dhabi Investment House (ADIH), the developers of the pioneering commercial freehold development, The Lagoon Bahrain, to help craft the retail mix at the landmark, waterside project.

UK-based Retail International has completed a blueprint plan to ensure that the retail offering at the Lagoon Bahrain is both balanced and sustainable, when the retail and leisure development on Amwaj Islands opens in September 2007.

Michael Lawrence, ADIH’s director of real estate, said that the consultants have given invaluable insight: “This is a very well considered report which will help ensure that we get the balance and mix right for the customer, a task which is always more complicated than it perhaps sounds. From the outset everything has been designed with the customer in mind, however the report has identified certain enhancements to ensure the safest, most productive and enjoyable time at The Lagoon Bahrain.”

He said that the report highlighted how best to utilise the large development, with recommendations such as a spacious canopied area for functions and weddings.

Mr Lawrence also shared that the use of mobile carts for public to get around the development was suggested, as was the addition of ‘street’ kiosks throughout the area, thus further creating an interactive, activity-filled experience.

“Car parking, which was already rated on our master plan as ‘the upper end’ compared to other Gulf entertainment and leisure venues, was an area tipped for future expansion, with the consultant suggesting the consideration of additional mezzanine parking to ensure maximum convenience is maintained,” said Mr Lawrence.

The report also looked at building materials in relation to the ‘sometimes harsh’ Gulf climate, while recommending finishes, such as non-corrosive materials due to the extremes of heat, wind blown sand and high saline content of Bahrain’s marine climate.

The Lagoon Bahrain is ADIH’s third major real estate project, following on from Beirut Gate, a $600million project in the centre of the Lebanese Capital and the recently-launched $3billion Entertainment City in Qatar.

All three projects have witnessed rapid uptake, with almost 90 per cent of Lagoon Bahrain signed to contract and one of Beirut Gate’s eight-plots released. Meanwhile, interest in the 50 million shares issued for the first phase of Entertainment City has been rife, according to Mr Lawrence.

He also confirmed that a fourth venture, Sunset Hills in Bahrain’s Al Areen area, will be released shortly.