The Minister for the Environment and Energy, Miriam Dalli, together with GHRC Chief Executive Gino Cauchi and Chairperson Ryan Fava, met with the Malta Maritime Forum (MMF) as part of the consultation meetings regarding the government’s plan for the revival of the Grand Harbour.
The meeting served as an opportunity to continue dialogue with the maritime sector about the vision for the future of this strategic area, while discussing the challenges and opportunities that exist.
Opening the session, MMF Chairman Godwin Xerri said that the objective behind the organisation of this consultation meeting was to give a platform to all Forum members to voice their views, concerns and expectations arising from this project. From this feedback, the Forum will formulate a summary of the views expressed so they can be considered in the design of this project. He thanked Minister Miriam Dalli, Inġ. Ryan Fava and Gino Cauchi for their availability.
Minister Miriam Dalli explained that the Government is committed to continuing to listen and consult with all stakeholders in order to find solutions that safeguard the port’s historical heritage, the port’s operations, and future needs. She stressed that open discussion with stakeholders is essential for the project’s success.
“We will not stop discussing and consulting. We want to fully understand all the challenges that exist and together find solutions that make sense for the country. We want a Grand Harbour that respects where we came from, that honours our heritage and history, but at the same time looks forward and creates new opportunities. Therefore, the plans for this area must allow for much more than what exists today, so that the port can once again become a centre of economic, cultural and social activity,” the Minister said.
GHRC Chief Executive Gino Cauchi explained that for many years this area carried the burden of significant industrial activity, and therefore there is now a real opportunity to give it a new direction. “For many years the Grand Harbour and its surrounding areas had to bear a significant industrial load. Today the time has come to begin a new chapter of regeneration for this area. Through this plan we are presenting the concept of how the port can be revitalised, with a modern and sustainable vision that benefits the entire country,” Cauchi said.
GHRC Chairperson Ryan Fava emphasised that the consultation process is crucial to ensure that the project is developed in collaboration with all affected sectors. “This consultation process is not intended to hinder or stop existing operations. On the contrary, we want to better understand the realities and needs of the sector so that we can work together. It is an important project because we have a living and active port, and we must ensure that its future development continues to strengthen this character,” Fava said.
Following this public consultation process, work with the private sector will begin so that the regeneration can be implemented. The regeneration of the Grand Harbour is planned to be carried out in four phases, with the aim of creating an area of international standard that honours Malta’s maritime heritage while offering spaces where culture, services, and recreation can coexist. The first phase of the plan focuses on transforming the Marsa waterfront and the site of the former power station into a vibrant mixed-use area with modern, sustainable, and high-quality development. This development is intended to create new economic opportunities and bring the port closer to people and families. The design of this project is being prepared by experts from the renowned international firm Chapman Taylor.
Photo (MEEC)
