Ideas for inner harbour regeneration announced

Communications Minister Austin Gatt today inaugurated the Valletta Boat Show and launched a public consultation on the government’s plans to redevelop the Menqa in Marsa, where the show is being held.

He said the government wanted a regeneration of this area, converting it from an industrial zone to a commercial and recreational space.

The project, which would be carried out in partnership with the private sector, would cover the area from the former Sea Malta Building to Crucifix Wharf.

He said the government was proposing that the former Sea Malta building would be used for commercial purposes which could also include a terminal for seaplane passengers.

Flagstone Wharf would be converted for use by cruise liners while Timber Wharf and and Bridge Wharf could feature restaurants, although the latter could also include floating pontoons.

The area around Mifsud Verandah and Chadwick Building was earmarked as a commercial centre.

Dr Gatt said the government would invest on the roads in the area and it also envisaged a pedestrian zone.

The project would extend further after 2015 when Marsa power station was expected to be closed down.

Dr Gatt said that by the end of this year the government also expected to announce its plans for new yacht marinas and recommend sites for hard standing facilities for boats.