Work on the new multi-million-dollar National Assembly complex at Al Fateh Corniche in Bahrain is expected to begin in July next year.

The complex will be built on a 100,000-sq-m artificial island, reclamation of which has been completed. Tenders are yet to be announced on the project.

The state-of-the-art complex has been designed by local architecture practice Gulf House Engineering. It will include new-concept facilities and departments, including grand halls and meeting chambers for different committees and offices for MPs and Shura Council members, in addition to their support staff.

The current complex, designed 20 years ago for Shura Council use, cannot meet the space requirements and portable cabins are currently being used to address the lack of space, according to Ali Saleh Al Saleh, Shura Council chairman.

The main building is expected to have a floor area in excess of 46,000 sq m.  The project includes extensive external works and landscaping.