What to do at Dock 1

Over the years there has been many a plan as to what should happen to Dock No. 1. I dare say that these plans proposing all sort of different uses must be somewhere gathering dust.

The statement the other day with regard to the possibility of moving the crafts village to this location yet again, gave some hope to the forgotten Three Cities. However, it was very quickly quashed by the refusal of those who operate from the existing location at Ta' Qali to even consider the proposal of Dock No. 1.

The comments made tend to shine through the phobia that exists with some Maltese about our beloved Three Cities. This area that I have adopted as my home has fantastic potential. It is just beautiful but in desperate need of some tender loving care.

I am amazed how shy successive government's have been in encouraging investment around the water's edge of Senglea and Cospicua. I think that the dock itself could be turned into a living Dockyard Museum. The area dates back to the Knights of Malta and has been of utmost importance right through British rule. Therefore it has priceless historical value.

The acquisition of a warship of sorts as a static display in the dock itself would attract Maltese and tourists alike. There was mention of maybe relocating the Maritime Museum, however I think that its present location in the old bakery is sublime. The present Maritime Museum is the jewel of Malta's heritage crown. However, I would agree to use some of the dock as an extension of the said museum.

Included in any plans should be establishments that would generate the growth the area desperately needs. I wonder how much we, as a nation, exploit the fact that a great big chunk of our history is built on the foundation of the Knights of Malta. Cap in hand I am sure that countries like Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and England would be interested in reviving the glorious days of when their ancestors formed part of our history. They have a vested interest.