Tigne Point development KNPD approved

Continuous co-operation and consultation between MIDI plc and the National Commission for Persons With a Disability (KNPD) have resulted in the designs for the redevelopment of Tigné Point being fully compliant with the KNPD's "Access for All" policy. Consequently, there will be no accessibility problems in any of the new structures on Tigné Point, which include leisure, retail and residential units, and a multi-storey underground car park spread across the entire expanse of this development.

"MIDI has always been very conscious of its obligations both in terms of the Equal Opportunities Act of 2000 and the Design Guidelines Access For All, published by the KNPD. In drawing up the plans for Tigné Point, MIDI adopted an innovative approach for Malta and approached KNPD to help in the actual design process. The commission carried out an accessibility audit of MIDI's original ideas and was then able to make suggestions. This ensured that the plans submitted to MEPA already complied with MIDI's obligations towards persons with disability. Clearly, adopting this approach has saved a lot of time," MIDI plc chief executive officer Mr Benjamin Muscat said.

When KNPD prepared its original accessibility audit on MIDI's redevelopment plans for Tigné Point, the commission was already in a position to approve the project, based on Design Guidelines Access For All policy. The report, issued in May 2002, noted that the underground car park satisfied the principles of accessibility.

The car park, which will go down three floors, will include a number of passenger lifts and stairwells. Ramps will also be provided for wheelchair access to Tigné square. The car park itself will provide special parking provisions for disabled persons. The number of spaces available will be determined according to pre-set guidelines and will be clearly sign posted.

The KNPD's accessibility report was also favourable in its comments regarding the residential and commercial buildings. Some difficulties, however, were also identified and positive action was taken by MIDI to adjust plans accordingly.

"The fact that these potential problems were identified at such an early stage shows that MIDI made the correct decision in asking KNPD to get involved right from the start.

"Thanks to the commission's constructive input, MIDI can now confidently state that none of the new buildings and facilities at Tigné Point will present accessibility problems to the disabled," Mr Muscat said.

MIDI also consistently invited KNPD to make suggestions which it felt might further improve the design of the development. MIDI has ensured that, wherever possible, these suggestions were also included.

The collaboration agreement between MIDI and KNPD will continue throughout the entire development of both Tigné Point and Manoel Island. KNPD nominated architects will assess all MIDI's future plans. On site visits during the construction process will ensure that the work being carried out satisfies the Access for All objectives.

"The MIDI project to redevelop Tigné Point and Manoel Island is setting a new standard for urban development in Malta. The KNPD is delighted to see that developers were keen to make sure that, once completed, everyone would be able to make full use of the facilities that will be available.

"The co-operation between MIDI and KNPD has set an opportune precedent in Malta during the European Year for Disabled People. This will hopefully ensure that in future, all new developments will pay close attention to disabled access right from the start," said KNPD president Mr Joe Camilleri.

The Tigné Point project forms part of MIDI's Lm140 million plan to redevelop Tigné and Manoel Island. When completed, Tigné Point will consist of two distinct areas, one commercial and the other residential and both will be served by underground road networks and parking facilities. The commercial area will include retail and leisure mall, community offices, exclusive boutiques and open-air cafes set around a bustling town square, which will serve as the community's social centre.