Mepa approves Lascaris Wharf extension
The Mepa Board has approved a development application submitted by Transport Malta for an extension of Lascaris Wharf towards the old Customs House in order to make it easier for large cruise liners to berth.
The wharf is to be aligned with Pinto Wharf and the existing quays will be structurally rehabilitated.
A spokesman for Viset, which operates the cruise liner terminal yesterday welcomed the project since it would make the Port of Valletta more attractive for cruise line operators.
It would also make it easier for large cruise ships - particularly those currently under construction - to berth.
The new quay profile will consist a sea wall built off the sea bed in pre-cast concrete segments, backfilled to the existing shoreline and overlaid with a new hard standing.
The existing quay of 1,490 sq metres will thus be extended by a further 1,170 square metres.
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Adrian Wirth
Aug 12th 2010, 19:51
I have to agree with Andrew Azzopardi. Surely the Heritage unit of MEPA must recognise the historic role that the apron fronting and adjacent to The Old Customs House has in our history, irrespective of politics.
One trusts that an appropriate section of open water is to be left between the new extension and the existing Old Customs House quay.
Preservation and conservation of the apron should be a 'charge' on VISET as their contribution to the preservation of our historic monuments.
Thank god for Ellis's photographs of old Malta. Soon they will be the only record of many of the historic sites especially in the Grand Harbour area.
FORMOSA ROBERT
Aug 12th 2010, 22:11
Agree with you. I hope that the historic Customs landing place be retained and incorporated in all this. If not there would be no landing place all along the Valletta shoreline. This place is the only spot used by the water taxis (dghajsa tal-pass). Authorities please take note.
Andrew Azzopardi
Aug 12th 2010, 13:16
Sad - this is the only place where the original quay and even natural rock exists at ground level on the Valletta side of Grand Harbour.
The 'Venetian air' (Quentin Hughes) of the magnificent 18th century Customs House will be lost forever.
M.Gauci
Aug 12th 2010, 13:00
I am no nautical expert but I very much doubt that the large criuse ships-particularly those currently under consruction and those launched recently will be able to enter Grand Harbour.
I hope I'm wrong but if I am right something needs doing about it and soon.
Adrian Borg
Aug 12th 2010, 14:00
Dear Mr. Gauci.
This same argument was put forward to Mr. Mintoff when he announced the construction of the Red China Dock.
I presume that most of the Liners built or being built have a smaller foot print. My real concern would be the draft of such vessels. This again can be remedied by Dredging.