€4 million investment project will deliver a safer swimming zone to residents and visitors in Birżebbuġa
A €4 million investment project in Birżebbuġa has been announced, which will lead to the regeneration of the ‘Pont tax-Shell’ area. For decades, the pier had been used by tankers carrying fuel to be unloaded at the 31st of March plant. The closure of this plant last summer allowed for the regeneration of the pier, which will be turned into a safe swimming zone for residents and visitors alike.
This was announced by Minister for Energy, Enterprise, and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli. The pier, 180 metres in length, will be decked with a stairway for safer access into the water. It will also serve as a pedestrianised zone.
Works will include the removal of the fuel infrastructure and parts of the concrete infrastructure whilst pillars already in place will be strengthened. A new structure, measuring 1,500 square metres, will be turned into a pedestrianised zone, allowing safer access to swimmers.
“We are investing €4 million to regenerate this area,” Minister Miriam Dalli said, explaining that an application will be submitted to the Planning Authority to obtain the necessary permits for the work to be carried out.
The minister also explained that the process includes a consultation period with the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) to ensure that all necessary works will be carried out without impacting the maritime environment.
Present were also the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry, Anthony Gatt, architects Godwin Agius and Sean Buttigieg and the Birżebbuġa Local Council.
