Downtown revitalization project frustrates struggling business owners in Amman
A downtown revitalization project frustrates business owners in downtown Amman. Photo by Erin Strine.
AMMAN, Jordan -- Bazar Al Mhirat is a modest antique shop located at the Wasat al Ballad market in downtown Amman. Walking by, customers are drawn in by chunky vintage rings with pigmented stones, necklaces fit for royalty, and a collection of dusty coins.
The 45 year-old owner, who asked not to be named because of his involvement in recent protests against downtown revitalization, has been in business for 25 years. Through a translator, he explained how he packed up his store and moved to his current location when construction of the Raghadan Bus station began.
He and several other long-term business owners were asked to move to accommodate the expansion. Overall, the move cost him 50,000 Jordanian dinars – or about $70,000 -- in lost profit and expenses. “The development makes downtown worse,” said the shop owner.
Raghadan’s renovation is part of a large revitalization project that is causing great upheaval in downtown Amman. The goal of the Wadi Amman Regeneration initiative is to improve transportation, tourism, housing, and business in the 130-year-old historic valley where modern Amman originated.
The project will take place in three phases and is currently focused on the Hashemite Plaza, a former park that attracted crime, prostitutes, and homosexuals, who are considered criminals here, explained Asma’ Barakati, the head architect for the plaza project.
“People with families couldn’t come here, many areas were not very safe,” said Barakati, speaking from the onsite office.
According to Barakati, the project is designed to economically revive the area through modern tourism and business. In the 1950s Amman was a vital cultural center that attracted wealthy residents. During the ‘60s and ‘70s development in the commercial sector slowed and failed projects drove businesses to seek other locations. The rise of suburban housing continued to stifle downtown prosperity and drew wealthy residents to the outskirts of the city. The decay of old Amman began.
Plans for a new Amman include a park with gardens, a modernized “river” consisting of vertical fountains, 25 canopy structures to provide shade, three main pavilions housing coffee shops, and a media building with several televisions for visitors to check out downtown happenings.
Pedestrian walkways will regulate foot traffic and connect the park to other areas of downtown Amman including the bus station, explained Barakati, who is employed by the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM).
Mahmood Al-Amoosh, the head engineer and chief manager, estimated the project will cost 5.5 million Jordanian dinars – or about $8 million -- and will be completed in two to three months. The original proposal was drawn up by Limitless, a firm based in Dubai. GAM, along with its partners, broke ground on Hashemite Plaza construction in September 2009.
GAM is also planning to rezone several residential areas to support local businesses and encourage families to open shops. “When you have nice places to come and visit, people will come,” said Barakati.
Still, business owners in the area are worried that construction will deter foot traffic to their stores. Many have taken to the streets in a series of small protests.
Moutaz Al Ayan, owner of Al Sal Al Akhdar, a shop selling Jordanian pastries, believes the projects will bolster his business after completion because 70 percent of his customers are tourists. Although he expects the improvements to be good for his business, he supported fellow shop owners during several protests.
Mhamad Abu Shanab, of Asafour Company, sells shoes and men’s clothing to mostly local customers. He lost business during the Raghadan project because local shoppers couldn't get to his store while the bus station was closed.
Mohammad Abudala of Shamiran Bazzar, an oriental gift shop located behind the construction adjacent to the amphitheater, echoed Shanab’s sentiments, “Many people see the damage and think I am closed. Many groups don’t go to the amphitheater because of the construction.”
Even though the GAM created a set of temporary staircases for tourists to access stores in the hills, Abudala has lost up to 60 percent of revenue a month and often can't cover his rent. He is hoping his revenue will return to normal when construction is completed.
In addition to hurting local business, the project has been criticized for delays. Barakati said a July 2009 marathon event delayed construction by two months.
Barakati encourages business owners to look toward the future. Profits are often down during construction projects.
But some remain skeptical -- and angry.
“This could destroy my shop. I’m afraid I will need to move again,” said the owner of Bazar Al Mhirat.
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