Marina, hotel and offices planned in sweeping Grand Harbour revamp

Updated 6.32pm

A six-week public consultation on a Grand Harbour Revival Plan was launched on Thursday, with government officials saying the regeneration project will be backed by private investment and unfold in four phases over several years.

The project, which includes a marina, retail, residential, hotel and food spaces will be mainly funded by the private sector through concessions for the buildings and coastal areas, the prime minister confirmed.

The first phase will centre around the site of the old power station in Marsa, and is expected to take between five and seven years.

It will include the restoration of bastions and historic buildings, the refurbishment of the old customs house for cultural use and the redevelopment of the potato shed into food and retail space.

The government said buildings along the coast will not exceed the height of existing bastion walls, and that the coastal area will include restaurants, offices and a hotel.

On top of Jesuit Hill, the plans envisage creating a new residential area. 

Marina, public square, harbour view residential units

Subsequent phases will focus on:

• Lighters Wharf
• The Deep Water Quay
• Floriana and the area around the Blata l-Bajda park and ride

At Lighters and Flagstone Wharf, the plans suggest more seaside restaurants and a new marina and yacht club with a public square.

The second phase of the project will implement a new marina and yacht club at Lighters and Flagstone Wharf. Render: The Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation

The third phase will focus on Deep Water Quay, where the plans envisage the creation of a new, modernised ferry interchange offering catamaran connections to Sicily. 

It will also include harbour-view residential units, the redevelopment of the silo building into a cultural hub with a public square, and the addition of further seaside restaurants and retail outlets.

The third phase of the project will turn its focus to the Deep Water Quay where there will be a new modernised ferry interchange, restaurants and retail shops, and the redevelopment of the silo building into a cultural hub. Render: The Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation

The fourth phase will be in Floriana and the area around Blata l-Bajda park and ride, with the aim of creating a new park and also a new pedestrian link to Valletta. 

In phase four works will include restoring Floriana’s bastions and creating a public park. Render: The Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation

Private sector funding

When asked how much the project will cost, Prime Minister Robert Abela did not give a figure. 

He said this is the first step in the process, with the government planning to also consult with businesses and investors.

He later told journalists that the project will be mainly funded by the private sector through concessions for the buildings and coastal areas.

A pre-market consultation will follow the public consultation to assess interest and input from both local and international investors, particularly for the Marsa phase.

Prime Minister Robert Abela speaking at the launch of the Grand Harbour Revival Plan. Photo: Jonathan Borg

“Land owned by the government or Enemalta is lying idle and generating no income for the people, the granting of concessions will mean that the public will receive revenue generated from them, while also being able to enjoy the new public spaces,” Abela said.

The chairman of the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation, Ryan Fava, said the project was designed to complement Malta’s historical heritage.

Four main phases

Phase one. Slide to show other phases. Photo: OPM

Phase Two. Photo: OPM

Phase three. Photo: OPM

Phase four. Photo: OPM

He said international consultants with extensive experience were appointed from the outset, making it clear that the plan excludes high-rise buildings in favour of medium-scale developments integrated into the existing environment.

The vision was presented by international firm Chapman Taylor, whose representative described the Grand Harbour as “world-class” and among the most impressive ports in Europe.

The proposals, the firm says, aim to act as a natural extension of what already exists, with a strong focus on sustainability and heritage restoration.

Photo: OPM

At the launch, Abela assured that any commercial activities currently taking place in the area will not be affected during the implementation of the plan, as they would be temporarily relocated elsewhere.

“We want to rejuvenate the port’s character while respecting its characteristics,” Abela promised, adding that there will not be any high-rise buildings.

Minister Miriam Dalli, who is responsible for the regeneration of the Grand Harbour, said the plan aims to offer “public spaces, sustainable workplaces, careers for young people, places for people to live, and cultural and historical attractions”.

Dalli spoke about the importance of private investment in such a project, noting it will create better infrastructure in the area.

The CEO of the GHRC, Gino Cauchi, said that the plan was to plant more trees, increase open spaces and outdoor furniture to draw more people to the coast.

'Recycled promise'

The Nationalist Party slammed the government's Grand Harbour revival plan as being nothing more than a "recycled promise", pointing out that the same plan had been announced ahead of the 2013, 2017 and 2022 elections.

In a statement, shadow minister for work Ivan Castillo said that Grand Harbour residents are still waiting for any tangible improvement to their quality of life, despite all the promises.

"The Partit Nazzjonalista supports every project that genuinely improves the Grand Harbour area ... but firmly believes that the Grand Harbour deserves a serious and transparent plan with a long-term vision, instead of promises that only surface before elections and disappear afterwards," Castillo said.

He added that the PN will be consulting all relevant stakeholders to ensure the proposed project "is carried out in the best interests of residents, stakeholders and the maritime sector".