The Gozo Business Chamber has appealed to the authorities to make the best possible use of the Victoria bus terminus and increase the number of parking spaces.

The chamber said it had learnt of “the imminent start of work” on the bus terminus project, approved by the planning authority in September as part of the public transport reform.

It applauded the efforts to improve the public transport system in Gozo but expressed disappointment at not being involved in the preparatory process.

The chamber said the project did not provide for a fully developed car park.

Throughout the works, a large area of the “already restricted parking zone” would be taken up, reducing the area by at least 46 car spaces, it complained. As part of the plans approved in September, the bus bays at Victoria terminus will be reduced from the present 12 to six and a large part of the terminus will be landscaped and turned into a garden.

The project, which has a footprint of about 5,100 square metres, includes the construction of a terminus building and a covered walkway.