Gwadar food street, amusement park, water sports, GDA club in the offing

Under Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan, Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) has planned to develop “Food Street”, “Amusement Theme Park”, “Water Sports” and “GDA Club Complex” to transform Gwadar into a tourism hub in a bid to lay down the foundation of “modern tourism economy” on the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.

In order to materialize these projects, GDA has commenced official bidding process seeking formal applications from experienced national and international investors, entrepreneurs, consortiums, developers and business groups under Balochistan PPP Act 2021 and regulations.

A GDA official told Gwadar Pro that the last date for submission of documents is May 30. Mandatory requirements include 10 years’ experience of similar business, official registration with respective regulatory authorities & institutions like SECP, PEC and Chambers, FBR tax credentials, registration with Balochistan Revenue Authority (BRA), he added.

The business friendly environment in Gwadar, he said, is ideal for businessmen for mentioned ventures, where GDA will facilitate the investors in provision of land for development, long term arrangement, fast track approvals under single window facility.

“As per the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan, the West Bay – Western part of Gwadar, is dedicated for Recreational & Commercial activities. The spaces near West Bay are already in use for traditional Boat making, public space for youth, playing local sports, with the scenic view of West Bay & Koh-e-Batil making it one of the unique and vibrant landscape,” he explained.

Ministry of Planning official said that the establishment of proposed Food Street, West Bay Gwadar on PPP Mode will also offer floating platforms & allied facilities for visitors in order to exploit the tourism potential, along this marine drive. Food Street not only enables tourists to feast on diverse cuisines but also offers a livelihood for thousands of low-income people, making a great contribution to the local economy, he added.

The amusement theme park, he said, will showcase some of the most beautiful, thrilling, and downright fun spots, mechanical rides and other recreational options to visit. Responding to a query, he said that having fused with local themes especially Pakistani culture, Balochistan history, Gwadar dynamics and ocean life, it will attract bulk of visitors.

Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry office bearer said that as per conceptualization, the amusement theme park will be top-notch facilities like roller coasters, flat rides, carousels and dark rides. By incorporating whimsical architecture, color, landscaping, characters, and other elements, park visitors will become part of stories rather than passive passengers on mechanical rides, he added.

GDA Urban planner Tariq Rid said that Gwadar Water Sports have immense potential to catalyze tourism trends in Gwadar. With the construction of beach resorts and mesmerizing water fronts, water sports will open up new recreational vista for national and international tourists.  GDA Club Complex equipped with gyms, sports gymnasiums, swimming pools and other leisure activities will also make a difference, he added.