What are the objectives of the development brief for the Birzebbuga fuel depot?

The development brief is guided by the following objectives:

To adhere to the existing planning framework as highlighted in the Structure Plan and Marsaxlokk Bay Local Plan;

To maximise the development potential of the site while at the same time encourage provision for social and community facilities;

Provide an urban green lung for the area;

To facilitate a comprehensive development of the site while ensuring that the development does not generate any adverse impacts on the local highway network;

To facilitate an early rehabilitation of the hazardous 31st March 1979 depot site by dismantling and removing the tanks and structures, besides treating any oil contaminated areas on site;

To encourage a high standard of urban design while ensuring that the development safeguards the amenities of the nearby Urban Conservation Area, besides enhancing the quality of the coastal foreshore; and

To accommodate leisure, catering and retail components that would diversify the current product offer and further complement the existing urban fabric in the predominantly residential quarters around Birzebbuga.