As for the new building in the car park for Chili’s and Toys R Us, Robert is a little coy about the exact nature of the development. Instead, he says it will host a brand-new dining concept that will be a first not only for Bahrain but within the GCC. As both sites eat into the existing parking space, there’s an obvious question to put to Robert. “With the multi-storey car parks at both ends of the mall, there is more than adequate space,” he says. “You will have seen that we have recently introduced a valet parking service, which will give us a better utilisation of the existing space.” Robert does, though, concede that any further development at the mall would require not only more parking slots but also a new substation to cope with demand. Expanding portfolio Robert’s responsibilities extend beyond Seef Mall and embrace the full portfolio of assets and businesses run by Seef Properties, including Isa Town Mall and the development in Muharraq. “The new mall in Muharraq is fully leased and has a similar profile to Seef Mall,” Robert notes. “There will be 130 retail outlets and it includes anchor tenants such as Gèant and DG Sharif. Longer-term, there are plans for a ferry service from the National Museum to Arad Fort, which will enhance the attraction of Muharraq Mall.” Seef Mall currently generates more than 80 per cent of Seef Properties’ income. One of Robert’s and the company’s objectives is to diversify the revenue base; another big project is in the works but details have yet to be finalised for this venture. The last time I interviewed Robert, in February 2011, I made reference to a variety of songs in the article. This time, an all-time great line from a classic film springs to mind; as Humphrey Bogart declared in Casablanca, “Play it again, Sam.” With the new Magic Island it will be a question of ‘and again and again and again...’
www.bahrainthismonth.com
SEEF MALL/MAGIC ISLAND
Get Ready to be Wowed! Reflecting the ‘island’ word in its name, there is an abundance of magic spread across the 4,500 square metres of mystery and adventure at the new Magic Island. “We have combined the relaxation and enchantment of an island and take visitors on an unforgettable voyage across sea and land,” says Robert Addison, the general manager at Seef Properties. “The new Magic Island boosts six unique zones — Marina Deck, Beach Sand, Rock Pool, Underwater, Caribbean Island and the Skeleton Cove. At every corner there is an epic adventure, surprise and a once-in-alifetime thrill for the entire family.” Born from the 300-year-old tales of Captain Lock-Jaw Jenkins and his deadly pirates who terrorised the waters, the rocks and caves of the Skeleton Cove are haunted by the victims of Captain Jenkins and his damaged pirate ship, the Black Skull. Magic Island’s Skeleton Cove dares you to enter its dark caves and explore more about its mysterious disappearances. To experience the dark side of the mysterious sea there are thrilling rides inspired by the force and power of the sea and its underwater creatures. These include a Crazy Raft that spins you into the sea, or the Submarine Jet that takes you through
depths and sea beds or the crabby Side Winder, which tests your stamina in a rocking 180-degree crawling motion. Additionally, feel the adrenaline rush with the lighthouse spring ride that first takes you so high that you have a spectacular view of Magic Island and brings you down in a jiffy with a free fall. There’s more excitement in store with a variety of action-packed 3D Simulator games including Transformer and Max Flight, created specifically for a realtime adventure experience. Add to that an LED underwater-themed bowling alley, a plethora of video games, interactive machines, Bumper car rides and a lit-up, wall-climbing adventure for grownups to carve their own way up to the top. For our younger visitors, there’s fun in store, too, with an adventure play area dedicated to offering an exciting and enjoyable experience in addition to a train ride that will take them on a journey through the underwater world. Magic Island is open from 10am to 10pm on Saturday to Wednesday, and from 10am to 12 midnight on Thursday and Friday. You can follow all the action at MagicIslandbh on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Visit www.magic-island.com. September 2014 61