Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
IN sync with current market trends, Gulf Holding Company (GHC) is developing its 'Signature Series' boasting investments totalling $2 billion (BD760.6 million) in two large-scale real estate developments in Bahrain, namely Villamar @ the Harbour, at the Bahrain Financial Harbour, and Downtown Al Areen.
And in addition to the two ambitious projects, GHC has announced a third development - Daheyat Al Areen - which will add to the high-end luxurious living that is a trademark of GHC's offerings on the island.
GHC is a Sharia compliant company established by Gulf Finance House in 2005 and has been specially set up to offer cutting-edge real estate investment products and services. In the long-term the GHC aims to diversify into a trusted holding company offering smart, intelligent and value driven investment products and services.
Villamar @ the Harbour is one of the flagship projects of GHC and an integral part of the company's Signature Series. Valued at $650 million Villamar @ the Harbour is Bahrain's most advanced and exclusive residential complex spread over 35,900 sqm at the landmark Bahrain Financial Harbour directly along the waterfront.
The development includes five main elements namely The Twisting Towers, Lifestyle Apartments, Terraced Villas, Terraced Podium and Sky Villas and is scheduled for completion in 2010.
Villamar @ the Harbour will consist of one to five-bedroom apartments.
Some of the key facilities include a rooftop Chairman's Club, health club and spa, swimming pools and several recreational amenities. The ocean-front boardwalk will be a major public attraction, featuring indoor and outdoor cafes, restaurants and boutique retail spaces, water features, significant on-site car park and landscaped plazas.
With its futuristic skyscrapers set to dominate Bahrain's skyline, Villamar @ the Harbour is already being viewed as a pioneer in introducing new concepts to the region.
Spread across an area of 260,000 sqm, at a cost of $550 million, Downtown Al Areen is GHC's major model of sustainable urban development located near the popular Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary and the world famous Banyan Tree Resort and Spa.
The project includes two main components, namely The Boulvard and High Street, which will be ready in phases, with phase I and II expected to be ready by the end of December 2009 and phases III, IV and V by the end of December 2010.
Daheyat Al Areen is one of GHC's latest project offerings in Bahrain spread across 245,165 sqm. It comprises five zones - The Boulevard, Old Town, Board Walk, Park Lane and Esplanade - and will have an impressive blend of high-end commercial facilities, restaurants and cafes, offices and luxury apartments, hotel, health clubs, three-floor townhouses, luxury villas, school, clubhouse, recreational facilities, souq and a mosque.
Apart from undertaking ambitious projects, GHC has announced its maiden foray into the fast growing North African market of Morocco with a project - Villa Royale - which has a total development cost of over $800 million spreading over 600,000 sqm with views of both the Mediterranean coast and the straits of Gibraltar to the Spanish coast.
Villa Royale will comprise a clinic, a school and an equestrian centre, in addition to all the world-class facilities that have come to be associated with GHC projects. Furthermore, the residential component of Villa Royal will include 400 residential units with options of three and four bedrooms which will be built and finished to international standards. Sales of villas and townhouses are due to begin this month.
