Controversial in birth, still generating contrasting opinions in operation

A marina which saw its birth in controversy, and played a part in the downfall of Alfred Sant's Labour government, is still today a matter of contrasting opinions, about its effects on the regeneration of the Cottonera.

The Grand Harbour marina, in the fortified city of Vittoriosa where auberges, churches and palaces abound, has certainly one insuperable advantage over all the existing marinas in Malta: a stupendous view as one sails in past the breakwater of historic buildings, massive fortifications and one of the world's most beautiful natural ports, Grand Harbour.

But Vittoriosa mayor John Boxall does not believe that his city is getting anything out of the marina.

"It is true that the marina has created a different atmosphere but Vittoriosa is not getting anything out of this."

The council, for example, would like to see the yacht owners visiting the core of the city but they very rarely did this in spite of all the promises which had been made to the council, he said.

His council, he added, would like to see a movement in job generation and in business but this was not yet being seen. The council had been promised that the centre of the city would be promoted and that the owners would be encouraged to visit but it seemed that nothing of the sort was taking place.

Those who were saying otherwise, the mayor said, did not know what they were talking about.

But the owner of Old City Pub in St Lawrence Street is of a different opinion.

Michael Darmanin said the development of the marina has meant an improvement for the city.

"The number of visiting tourists, not just from the yachts, has lately increased and their comments are very positive.

"They say that Vittoriosa is clean, that the environment is beautiful, that the museums are of a very good standard and that the area is very safe."

Mr Darmanin said it seemed that the belief that the Cottonera area was an unsafe part of the country was slowly being eradicated.

He also said that business had also improved due to the increase in tourism to the area.

Inaugurated in August last year, the marina, operated by Grand Harbour Marina Ltd, has 233 berths for boats and super yachts ranging between eight and 100 metres.

A total of 200 - for boats and super yachts from eight to 25 metres - are on pontoons with finger piers, a first in Malta. The other berths are for seacraft between 30 and 100 metres, according to marina manager Anna Tabone.

The cost of having a berth at the marina in Cottonera depends on the size of the craft but the annual rate starts at Lm628, not including value added tax.

But Grand Harbour Marina has also gone into three separate agreements with the boating associations of the three cities.

"They have all been accommodated and they are only paying Lm1 a year. Only members of the boating associations are eligible for the scheme, which is totally sponsored by the company," Ms Tabone said.

Chief executive officer Albert Caruana said that the Lm1 nominal fee was charged for legal purposes to enable the company to ensure that the marina rules and health and safety regulations were observed.

Ms Tabone said the management was looking at around 60 per cent occupancy for the coming months, based on annual contracts as well as the winter season.

Asked if it would be possible for the marina to be further expanded, Ms Tabone said Grand Harbour Marina Ltd was looking with interest at expanding.