The developers of Manoel Island are considering ‘quarrying’ the island in an attempt to cut down on the huge amounts of excavation material that will have to be disposed of.
Excavation works on Midi’s proposed Mediterranean village are expected to generate around 290,000 cubic metres of material, with around 67,000 cubic metres reused on site, largely in a land reclamation project roughly the size of two football pitches.
But more than 100,000 cubic metres will still have to be disposed of, requiring 11 truckloads per hour for 40 weeks, according to the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
At a public consultation meeting on the EIA yesterday, the study coordinators revealed that the developers were looking into quarrying limestone blocks which could be reused in construction works as a means of reducing the amount of material that will need to be transported away. They are also considering disposing of some material at sea, in areas designated by the environment authority.
Generally sedate meeting attended by only a handful of residents
The generally sedate meeting, attended by only a handful of residents, raised few major concerns over the project, which has drawn less public criticism since the release of a new draft master plan and the signing of a guardianship agreement with the local council and NGOs guaranteeing protection and public access to the island’s heritage buildings, foreshore and green areas.
Objections aired
Sliema local councillor Michael Briguglio, a sociologist, took aim at the project’s Social Impact Assessment, which comprised a survey of 250 passers-by carried out at Manoel Island.
According to the study authors, the responses indicated that the development “enjoys support among the public”.
Describing the study as an “insult to people’s intelligence”, Dr Briguglio said the “vox pop” carried out did not even amount to a quantitative survey, and that a proper social assessment would have included consultation with residents, businesses and other stakeholders.
Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) representatives stressed that such studies were not in the authority’s remit.
Joanna Spiteri Staines from Din l-Art Ħelwa meanwhile raised concerns over the bulk of the apartment blocks, which will be visible from the Gżira promenade. The EIA’s visual impact study has already noted that these blocks could be considered “outsized”.
Dr Spiteri Staines urged the project architects to recognise the potential of Manoel Island to create a unique architectural space. She also highlighted the importance of a travel plan that took into account the huge congestion surrounding Manoel Island and made better provision for water transport.
Midi’s development plans for Manoel Island, which are still awaiting planning permission, include a hotel at the historic Lazaretto, apartment blocks, retail outlets, a yacht marina, a helipad and public plazas.
The developers are also promising 80,000 square metres of new parks and family areas, as well as an arts and culture centre at Fort Manoel comprising galleries, museums, shops and restaurants.
Other heritage buildings will largely be retained and restored.