The Dock 1 project, which has been dogged by delays ever since work started in January 2011, is nearing completion.

Eighty per cent of works will be finished by the end of September, though the entire project, including the embellishment of the promenade around the dock, is scheduled to take another year to be completed by August 2014.

This was confirmed by Infrastructure Minister Joe Mizzi during an onsite visit yesterday morning. He said the Government was committed to complete this project once and for all.

Most of the controversy surrounding the project centred on the stretch of road along the dock on the way to Vittoriosa.

Though works had started two years ago, the road, which is no more than 500 metres long, was only completed a few days ago. The delays had almost brought the heart of the locality to a standstill and fuelled protests by residents and the business community.

Mr Mizzi said works concentrating on the embellishment of Pjazza Gavino Gulia should start at the end of this month. In the first phase, new services will be laid but the square would remain open to traffic.

Mr Mizzi allayed fears that the project may not be ready in time for the feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, saying works were scheduled to finish by the end of November.

Next on the list of works is the embellishment of the Belvedere area on top of the Cospicua regatta club and a pedestrian bridge over the dock, which will provide better access to Senglea Gate. This will be complemented by a lift linking the dock and Triq San Pawl.

The minister said that the risks of losing EU funds had been greatly reduced because some of the most urgent issues related to the tendering process were immediately sorted soon after the change in government.

Pjazza Gavino Gulia will be ready in time for the feast of the Immaculate Conception

Asked by Times of Malta about any plans for the naval workshops overlooking the dock, which have been abandoned for years, Mr Mizzi said no decision had been taken yet.

In recent years, there were calls for these abandoned structures to be converted into engineering museums to showcase the traditional craftsmanship of the shipping industry.

At one time, this area was also being considered as an alternative site for the Ta’ Qali crafts village but the plan was eventually shelved.