Dock 1 consortium dropped, government takes over

Infrastructure Minister Austin Gatt yesterday announced that the government had dropped the consortium tasked with revitalising Cospicua's Dock No. 1, saying the designs would now be handled by his ministry.

Dr Gatt said the government would submit its proposals in October so that works could begin in January.

The plans would be based on the rehabilitation and embellishment of the dock and the centuries-old buildings in the surrounding area as well as the building of a car park. No details were given about the use of the rehabilitated buildings but Dr Gatt said they would not be used for speculative purposes.

He said the project was expected to cost between €10 million and €12 million but the government had already applied for EU funds.

Talks had stopped with the consortium handling the project, the Gruppo Romegas, because it had not made the required bank guarantees and no agreement was reached on the designs.

Gruppo Romegas had been chosen by the government in 2007. Its plans provided for the dock's restoration, the construction of a cultural, commercial, residential and recreational complex and its operation and management.

Dock 1 was last used in the late 1990s but it should briefly stir back to life in September when it will be the venue for the third edition of the HSBC Premiere Valletta Boat Show, due to be held there between September 24-27.

Dr Gatt said events such as this would show the potential of the area. A temporary yacht marina has already been set up to facilitate the boat show. It will continue to be used until the regeneration of the area begins.

The boat show, organised by Network Events, will feature about 80 power and sail yachts as well as dinghies and related equipment including deck and navigation tools.

The area of Dock 1 started being used as a shipyard at the time of the Knights and the British built Malta's first drydock there in 1848 before deciding to concentrate dockyard facilities in French Creek.

In January, Dr Gatt had said the government planned to transform the area into an Arts and Crafts Centre to replace the one in Ta' Qali. It remains unclear whether this idea will be incorporated in the new plans.