The long building in old Salmiya that housed that likes of Family Bookshop, Waleed Toys, Alamiah and Hardees is getting demolished soon. All the tenants have vacated the building and it’s now been barricaded in preparation to be brought down. It’s sad since I really believe if the building got renovated it would have looked great.
21 replies on “Big chunk of Salmiya getting demolished”
Another piece of my childhood being torn. I wouldn’t mind if they have something really well designed in its place. But knowing Kuwait its just another ugly building with no parking space. Prove me wrong please.
Can anybody provide information on when the building will be demolished? Will it be via explosives? if so, will there be a public viewing?
they don’t use explosives to bring down 2 story buildings
Ha! Thanks, Mark.
Regardless of the method of demise, its rather sad that the foundation, history, architecture and the location will likely lie in waste for years after. I see a lot of potential here.
Thanks for your response.
Old Salmiya needs a facelift; I remember back in the day it was the happening place. People used to walk up and down the roads and it was full.
I remember Kids ‘R Us… still the best toy store ever made.
During my school days, ‘Salmiya Center’ as this was called then, was THE place to hang-out after exams.
i agree to N , i have lots n lots of memories of my childhood in this place. i hope the new constructions attracts same number of people which come now days. I authority can manage to construct no just mall, but good partking area, kids play area, not only just mall
Mark, is Saud Shahood still doing the development? I heard several years ago that he had bought that entire strip, but that was right before the financial crisis, so maybe it has changed hands (?)
not sure, i remember at one point i heard it was going to be a huge project that connects to marina mall..
Are they building a 5 story pinkberry instead?
i know you’re joking but honestly i’d rather they build a cool looking 5 story pinkberry over the crappy cheap looking malls that are popping up on the street.
Just business as usual in Kuwait – build, neglect, demolish, rebuild. I agree with you. It’s a shame that renovation is such a foreign concept.
Problem is it passes between owners a lot, it’s often much cheaper to sell the land and let them deal with it than renovate
Only memories remain 🙁
The only old building that I know of that got renovated, while still maintaining its old design and architecture, is Al-Manshar Mall in Fahaheel.
Since that has been done successfully, I think there should be a law that bans full demolition of old buildings (anything basically from the mid 70’s and older)…. And force the owners to renovate it the Manshar way.
meh 🙁
Feeling nostalgic. I remembered chikka tikka, kfc aand baskin on that corner.
It is really sad to bring down old buildings, kuwait looses its memories, the old shops, every older generation has nothing to tell the newer generations.
Someone should do something about this
This is indeed sad to hear. Does anybody know what is being built in its place?
I find that there are not a lot of historic buildings to be found in Kuwait – moreover those that are still there, are usually not used (like the old Emir’s palace). How is renovation looked upon in Kuwait?
At the very least, renovating a building like this – with apparently so many memories – anchors a sense of identity (as can be read from the posts). I am very curious to hear the new purpose for this ground, the question should be raised if this purpose can not be fulfilled by the current building.
In Holland renovation is very popular. One of the best examples of this are our canal houses, which date back to the 16th and 17th century. These are still being used and now form part of Amsterdam’s historic image, drawing millions of tourists every year.
Adding to this, I am organising a trade visit for Dutch architects from 4-6 March. I would like to arrange a TV interview in Kuwait with some of the visiting architects to have them talk about the value of renovation and sustainability in architecture. Would anybody have any tips for this? Which programme / TV station?
Hi all, I lived above KFC for 9years, till 2007 when the new owners wanted to get rid of the residents. Man!! that was hell, what they did to the place at the time. The shops stayed strong for years later. Frankly, the flats in these buildings where great – spacious and large, strong walls. I don’t think any new apartments will be as good as those. I watched my block of the building come down, yesterday at noon. Really felt down watching it. But life must go on & we’ve gotta make do with what we get…
Just wanted to share a thought…
I am very interseted in this theme: in Holland most of our work is concentrating on renewal and renovation. We see this as in no way inferior to the design of new buildings. And it can be better for the urban coherence. Sadly, so many traditional areas are simply being demolished,like the Hutongs in China: we will regret this in the future. But Kuwait could still make a masterplan for this! Don’t forget that even ‘ugly’ and obsolete building can be made over completely, while keeping (part of) the structure! Would love to indulge in this subject!