Pedestrians only on Marsascala seafront this weekend

The Marsascala local council and the Marsascala Bars and Restaurants Association yesterday launched a pilot project for the pedestrianisation of Triq ix-Xatt (Marina Street) this weekend.

The initiative follows the deterioration of tourism in the area ever since the closure of the Jerma Palace Hotel in March last year, the locality's mayor, Mario Calleja, said yesterday.

It is hoped that the pedestrian area will attract not only Maltese visitors but also tourists to this authentic marina-village, the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Mario de Marco, said at a press conference yesterday.

Should it prove to be successful, the project could be extended to cover all weekends during the summer months.

Mr Calleja said the project could complement SmartCity, the ICT/media township to be built in nearby Ricasoli.

The project is being undertaken in conjunction with the Iljieli Skalin festivities in Marsascala and with Marsascala Day, which is celebrated on September 7. It is yet another initiative following in fashion the pedestrianisation of parts of Buġibba and activities such as BOV Streets Alive, Gozo 1.2.3.4. and the upcoming Iljieli Melliħin.

Kicking off this evening, the activities being organised by the Marsascala local council and by the Marsascala Bars and Restaurants Association will be spread over three days.

For the occasion, Triq ix-Xatt will be embellished with plants and flowers while fjakkoli will add to the atmosphere. Bars and restaurants will extend their seating areas outdoors and they will also be providing entertainment.

Triq ix-Xatt will be closed to traffic between 6 p.m. and midnight. Due to parking limitations, the public is encouraged to use public transport where possible. A shuttle service which is being offered free of charge will however be available between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m. The service is organised from near the Razzett tal-Ħbiberija and stops in the village core, near the church.

To aid the flow of traffic during the weekend, St Anne Street will be opened as a two-way system.