Menqa to go from rust buckets to super yachts

The government plans to transform the Menqa at Marsa, an area associated with heavy industry and sunken ships, into a prime commercial and residential zone that will include a yacht marina and a 1.2 kilometre promenade.

The master plan for the multi-million euro project, unveiled yesterday by architect Marc Bonello, integrates the waterfront with the centre of Marsa and is part of the government's plans for the regeneration of the Grand Harbour.

Investments Minister Austin Gatt described Menqa as the biggest regeneration project in years which is expected to cost around €130 million and start in 2011. However, he did not commit himself to a timeframe for the project's finalisation.

He said it was a big challenge that could only be carried out through collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Apart from a 170-yacht marina and a place for super yachts, the area will include a terminal for buses, taxis, ferries and water taxis.

The master plan includes the restoration of a number of buildings, among them the Osbert Chadwick Building, which was built by colonial engineer Lord Osbert.

This will be transformed into offices, leaving the top floor for entertainment purposes. Des-cribed by Dr Gatt as an "iconic building", the stores are in a prime position opposite the Grand Harbour fairway.

Dr Gatt said the project was another link in the government's vision for Grand Harbour, which included the Valletta Waterfront and the Three Cities, and would see the value of property in the area rise.

Roads will be re-planned to increase accessibility and improve traffic management. The road from the Sea Terminal to Marsa is expected to be redone through Ten-T EU funds.

Dr Gatt said timelines depended very much on approval by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and it was difficult to give dates since a number of buildings in the area were privately owned. Dr Bonello said discussions with Mepa were at an advanced stage and hoped they would be concluded soon so that public consultation could get underway.

Asked whether the government planned to buy some privately owned buildings, Dr Gatt said that although this had never been discussed, he did not think it was a good idea.

An exhibition of the master plan will be open at the Malta Maritime Authority, in Marsa, until August 4, during office hours.