Major upgrading projects to be undertaken by the Malta Tourism Authority in Qawra, Sliema and Pembroke are to receive €16 million in EU funds.

Work on the projects - which have been approved following an application submitted by the MTA as part of the EU's cohesion funds allocated to Malta for 2007 to 2013 - is expected to start towards the end of this year.

A spokesman for the Tourism Parliamentary Secretariat confirmed that the projects were recently given the green light by the EU and that preparatory work to upgrade the three tourist areas had already begun.

The total cost of the projects is €19 million. Eight-five per cent of the cost will come out of the EU budget while the remaining 15 per cent will be topped up through local funds.

The upgrading of Qawra Point, better known as the 'Ta' Fra Ben' area, will be divided into two phases.

The first, to be completed by next summer, comprises major landscaping works and better accessibility for swimmers and divers. Public amenities will also be reconstructed.

In a second phase, the MTA is planning to create a new sandy beach together with a new visitor attraction based on an aquarium, along with ancillary facilities, a diving institute and landscaped gardens. This project in is expected to be completed by the end of 2011.

EU funds will also be used to upgrade a one-kilometre stretch of coastline at St Paul's Bay, connecting the Menqa area to Wignacourt Tower and then on to St Paul's Bay primary school. This will include a new 80-metre-long cantilevered promenade.

As part of the same project, the area around Fond Għadir in Sliema will be upgraded and landscaped. This is expected to be completed by next summer.

Meanwhile, €14.5 million of the EU funds will be dedicated to the creation of new landscape gardens in Pembroke with recreation facilities for families with children and a new cycle track.

Through this project the MTA will create a walking and cycle trail from the landscaped gardens to the Madliena watchtower, which will be restored.