Labour launches 100 projects for Grand Harbour area

Opposition leader Alfred Sant yesterday launched his party's 100 projects for the regional development of the Grand Harbour area.

The plan, which Dr Sant described as the most ambitious ever launched, formed part of the MLP's strategy aimed at giving Malta's economy new impetus.

Speaking during a press conference at the party headquarters, Dr Sant explained that deputy leader Charles Mangion and MLP spokesman for transport Charles Buhagiar had started working on the plan last spring and finalised it following meetings with representatives of various sectors involved in the Grand Harbour.

The plan outlined 100 projects that spanned over various localities that included the Three Cities, Kalkara, Marsa, Floriana, Valletta, Pieta, Msida, Gżira, Ta' Xbiex and Sliema.

Dr Sant said that the plan addressed the demographic imbalances, traffic congestion and the reduction in economic activity in the Grand Harbour area.

It emphasised the element of transport and highlighted the use of the sea as a main means of transport. One proposal included a sea transport service connecting Grand Harbour to Marsamxett Harbour and the introduction of parking facilities in the areas of Floriana, Marsa, St Julians, Pembroke, Cospicua and Fgura among others areas.

The plan also included the creation of three new promenades: from Valletta (through Floriana) to Marsa; from Floriana (through Pieta, Msida, Ta' Xbiex and Gzira) to Sliema; and from Kalkara (through Vittoriosa and Cospicua) to Senglea. Other projects included converting Malta Shipbuilding into a Marine Industrial Park; the enlargement and rehabilitation of Rinella; converting Fort Ricasoli into a film-making facility; turning the Bighi area into a five-star tourist resort and using the area to host super yachts; converting the power station area into a residential complex surrounded with gardens; turning Fort St Elmo into the central administration offices of the Armed Forces and transforming Evans Building into a five-star hotel.

Dr Sant said the MLP plan proposed setting up an authority for regional development - a one-stop-shop to ensure that the projects were carried out quickly and to respect local and EU environmental legislation.

Other projects for the capital included a multi-purpose venue in the site of the old Opera House and the building of offices to house financial institutions. The bus terminus would be moved underground to create space for a pedestrian area. Sir Paul Boffa hospital would be converted into a medical institution of international repute and small, three-star hotels would be encouraged in the area.