One World... Fort Cambridge Development Brief

What other land use may be considered? (3)

Zone I: The glacis area is an integral and important part of the fort structure. It also allows for local and long-distance views of the fort. It is also important for the development as it guarantees unobstructed seaward views towards the northeast. Given that the glacis original profile has been disturbed by excavation and levelling out, the opportunity exits to restore its profile by depositing fill material resulting from the demolition of the existing structures.

This would eliminate the need to cart out large volumes of building waste. The resulting space would then be sensitively landscaped to provide local amenity in the form of additional public open space for the residents of Tignè. The use of the open, green area adjacent to the Qui-Si-Sana gardens will enhance the overall quality of public realm in Tignè. In order to promote the unobstructed setting of Fort Cambridge, the existing electricity substation fronting Triq il-Ponta ta' Dragut should be relocated away from the fort.

The developer will be responsible to allocate a suitable site for the substation to the satisfaction of Enemalta Corporation and Mepa and to cover all costs involved in this relocation apart from any other services or infrastructural costs. The existing boundary wall around Fort Cambridge that presently precludes any views of the Fort, shall be demolished and replaced by a low wall with a wrought iron palisade that will allow for open views to the fort. Furthermore in this zone, care shall be taken in the landscaping scheme to enhance the original setting of the fort. In this respect, publicly accessible, green, open spaces will be provided for the public amenity.

Zone K: The existing beach concession was granted by government on the basis of the site being used for tourism purposes through the established hotel use. Therefore the use of the beach concession will be permitted by Mepa as part of the reuse of the site for hotel redevelopment. Thus it is noted that in the advent that the development is not for reuse as a hotel, it will be the prerogative of the government to assign the beach concession. It is emphasised that within the beach concession, no increase in built floor area, over and above that of the existing structures, will be permitted by Mepa. Any upgrading or redevelopment is therefore to retain the existing footprint of existing built facilities in Zone K.

(The zones referred to here may be viewed on the development brief on www.mepa.org.mt.)