The planning authority has approved a request to sanction illegal works at Senglea’s Boiler Wharf, which will become an alternative quay for cruise liners.

The request was filed by Transport Malta and approved last week by the planning authority board.

The authority will sanction minor alterations and the change of use of the shipyard’s workshop into an administration building for cruise liner operations. Three dilapidated buildings will be removed and a new entrance way, security fence and security rooms installed.

The wharf, which used to form part of Malta Shipyards and remained unused for a number of years, will fill in when the Viset terminal at Valletta Waterfront is full.

The 460-metre long quay can accommodate 300-metre cruise liners.

As works on the first phase of the government project were being completed in 2009, an enforcement notice was issued by the planning authority because the boundary walls had been demolished and rebuilt without a permit.

The rest of the works were deemed by the planning authority to be illegal because no permit had ever been granted.

The wharf also includes a boiler room full of machinery dating back to the 19th century, which is to be converted into an industrial museum.