Prime Minister Robert Abela presented the best Regeneration plan for the Grand Harbour which will be open for public consultation and immediately after that the process of working with the private sector to carry out this regeneration will begin. During the official launch of the public consultation on the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour, Prime Minister Robert Abela stressed that this project which revolves around the most beautiful harbour in the Mediterranean will be ambitious, massive and will leave a mark on how we are changing and we want to continue changing our country for the better.
The regeneration of the Grand Harbour will be divided into four phases, with the aim of creating an area of international standard that pays tribute to Malta’s maritime heritage while offering spaces where culture, services and recreation can coexist. The plan for the first phase focuses on the transformation of the Marsa waterfront and the site of the former power station into a mixed and vibrant area, with modern, sustainable and quality uses, which will create new opportunities and bring the harbour closer to people and families. The designers of this project are the experts from the renowned international firm Champan Taylor.
He added that this project is part of this Government’s vision to give value and quality to areas and sites that have been left in a state of abandonment for many years. The Prime Minister made reference to a number of projects not only for beautification but above all projects that protect the environment and people’s health, which have been carried out in recent years around the Grand Harbour.
Prime Minister Abela recalled how this administration was instrumental in closing the Marsa power station once and for all. “We must continue to do justice to this area and deliver the most beautiful project that a Government has ever undertaken in the modern history of our country,” Dr Abela reiterated.
He said that the Government truly believes in the potential of this area and the surrounding localities, particularly Marsa which has enormous potential and therefore this holistic plan is being taken forward which will lead to quality investment that creates wealth. A project which is aligned with the Malta 2050 Vision.
Dr Abela said that the Grand Harbour regeneration project connects with five other projects that the Government has recently launched. That of Manoel Island, WhiteRocks, Fort San Salvator, Fort Tigné , and Fort Campbell. “These are five projects that we will carry out to improve the quality of life of our families. While the ambition is great, the will to achieve it is greater,” the Prime Minister said.
Dr Abela also assured that the characteristics of the port will not change, but rather will emerge more with the legacy left to us by our ancestors. While he reiterated that every locality bordering this port will benefit from this regeneration.
Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness Miriam Dalli said, “We want a Grand Port that respects where they come from, their heritage and history and that takes us towards the future, with investment in new sectors. Therefore, the plans for this area must allow for much more than what exists today.”
She explained how the consultation announced today must be open. “We understand that every change brings with it questions. But we also know that there is a lot of potential that if properly exploited, our country will improve,” said Minister Miriam Dalli.
The Chairman of the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation (GHRC), Eng. Ryan Fava explained how this project aims to regenerate the old power station part, the Menqa part and the Deep Water Quay part and the Floriana bastions. “It is an important project because we have a living port. Today we launched a public consultation because we want to hear more from the people and we will also continue with consultations with stakeholders in order to move this national project forward,” said Eng. Fava.
GHRC Chief Executive, Gino Cauchi explained how in recent years, the Corporation has carried out various projects around Valletta, Floriana and Cottonera, including the regeneration of Kalkara Square and the entrance to Senglea. “Now is the time to look at Marsa, a very important locality that over the years has had to bear the burden of heavy industrial activity. The time has come for the regeneration of this area and through this plan we are announcing the concept of how it can be given life again, for the benefit of the country as a whole,” said Gino Cauchi.
Adrian Griffiths, Director of the Chapman Taylor Group, described the Grand Harbour as “world class” with a history of defence that is visible in its architecture. “As architects we believe strongly in history, culture and heritage. What we have tried to convey in this vision is a concept that fits naturally into the Grand Harbour,” said Griffiths. He explained how the concept placed great importance on spaces that create cultural opportunities and bring people together, with many public spaces and greater connectivity to Valletta.
Chapman Taylor is a company that operates from 13 design studios around the world.
Details about this project can be obtained from the site https://ghrc.gov.mt/revival/ . The public consultation will be open for six weeks.
Photos: OPM/DOI
