West Park will be developed in

Out of the five groups that expressed interest to develop West Park, the proposal that won the bid states that the area will be developed inclusive of a park and a restaurant in ‘Italian style’.

The government’s plan is to develop the area such that it caters to the leisure needs of people of all ages including children and the elderly.

The government has stated that all but 20 percent of the area should be developed as a leisure park.

Renowned former tennis player Amir Mansoor, who won the bid, has said that the plan is to demolish the buildings in the area, and to build a restaurant in ‘Italian style’ in the middle of the plot.

The restaurant will mainly serve pizza, pasta, salad and ice cream.

“Our restaurant will be specialised in Italian food. The concept is that people can take their kids, buy ice cream from the restaurant and enjoy it in the park. It will be developed as an open park,” he said.

Amir’s proposal also states that the park will include an outdoor gym for older people.

He said that work will begin as soon as a detailed design is completed subsequent to conducting a survey after the area is transferred to him.

This project to develop West Park is worth about MVR9 million.

“The area will also include entertainment programs for children,” he said.

Current operator of West Park, Yacht Tours, has filed a case to Civil Court following the lease of West Park by Male’ City Council to another party.

Chairman of Yacht Tours and Kaashidhoo MP, Abdullah Jabir has said that the decision to lease West Park to another party was made before the expiration of the contract between the government and Yacht Tours. Moreover, he said that the contract states that it can be extended following discussion between the two groups.

Jabir had also submitted a proposal for the development of West Park.

“Yacht Tours has been in discussion with the government for the past three years, on the development of West Park. We proposed a project worth $15 million, to include a swimming pool, spa, gym, children’s playground and restaurants in the area,” he said.

Yacht Tours currently pays MVR140,000 to the government as monthly rent for West Park.

The agreement between the government and Yacht Tours will expire on 30 September 2012.

City Council has decided to transfer West Park to Amir Mansoor on 1 October 2012.