Watch: People share their visions for Manoel Island

Should Manoel Island be turned into a cultural and creative space for artists and the community or a protected national park focused on nature and heritage?

Should the old fort and surrounding buildings on the island be transformed into a space for artists to create and exhibit their work, with profits used to support the island’s upkeep? Or should the island remain untouched, protected by rangers as a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life?

These were the central questions and ideas shared during a public workshop hosted by Manoel Island: Post Għalina, a grassroots initiative spearheaded by NGOs Moviment Graffitti and Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar.

A campaign, which gathered over 29,000 petition signatures, is calling for Manoel Island to be returned to the public and transformed into a national park. But the question remains: What should the park look like?

The NGOs organised a series of sessions in Gżira, bringing together residents as well as individuals and groups involved in activities on Manoel Island to share their visions for its future.

Earlier this year, MIDI, the consortium that had been given a 99-year lease to develop the island in 2000, announced it was committed to finding a solution that could return it to government hands. The company’s statement came hours after Prime Minister Robert Abela said he was ready to fight for Manoel Island to be turned into a national park.

On Saturday afternoon, Times of Malta joined a session at the Orpheum Theatre, in Gżira where eight men recalled their experiences and fond memories of growing up in Gżira and exploring Manoel Island.

Participants during Saturday’s workshop.

“Born and raised” in Gżira, former actor and artistic director Tony Cassar Darien said he and his friends spent their summer holidays exploring the quarantine hospital.

Other members also tuned in, recounting their more youthful years, as they laughed joyfully at the moments they would sneak into the now rundown British Naval quarters on the island.

Cassar Darien also recalled many sports activities and football matches on the Manoel Island pitch.

Such memories were echoed by Shawn James, who grew up on Fleet Street, a 10-minute walk from the island.

Growing up, James was part of the Gżira football team and recalled many hours spent on the club’s pitch, which was located near the Manoel Island bridge.

Winston Attard, a 75-year-old artist, was born in Valletta but moved to Gżira after he fell in love (and married) a woman who lived in Gżira.

Charles Falzon and Tony Cassar Darien

He, too, shared fond memories of numerous picnics with extended family members close to the bay. All those years ago, he moved to the Gżira front, close to Manoel Island, so he would be able to see his birthtown across the bay.

“When it was first announced that Manoel Island was to be developed, all those years ago, I was devastated,” he said.

“That means the view of Valletta would be completely lost  and we residents will feel surrounded by buildings and construction.”

No-car zone and space for community

A key point all participants in Saturday’s session agreed on was that Manoel Island thrives as a car-free, pedestrian-friendly zone.

Marie-Claire Gatt, a Moviment Graffitti member and NGO member, said the people they have spoken to all agree that Manoel Island should be a space of “peace and quiet”.

“People are hungry to find a space which is different to what we find in the area. People do not want over-commercialisation on the island but want activities which generate revenue that go back to the island and community.”

Winston Attard believes Manoel Island should remain a wild, open space.

Gżira local councillor Ryan Sciberras suggested the concept of a car park located close to the island. He said that, since more people would be heading to Manoel Island once it is a national park, more cars will be filling the streets of Gżira.

His suggestions were shut down by Cassar Darien and Attard; they both suggested that the island should remain car-free and accessible by foot, ferry or public transport. The men supported the idea of nature rangers managing the site and guiding visitors.

For Sciberras, who is 21 years old, Manoel Island should be a place for relaxation and peace.

“One idea I liked was connecting Manoel Island to the Gżira garden,” he said.

“That way we would be increasing the pedestrian and open green space area, which the locality is lacking.”

‘A creative island’

Shawn James, who works in cultural events, suggested that Manoel Island should not only be a national park but also serve as a space for artists where they can perform, create and exhibit their work.

“I believe Manoel Island could become a creative island. The buildings could be restored and artists could work in them,” the 39-year-old said.

“Young people and artists currently have nowhere to go and I hope to see Manoel Island become a space not only for creating art but also for playing sports and relaxing.”

Saturday's group during the workshop.

Charles Falzon, a pensioner who grew up in Gżira and now lives in Sliema, was wary of the idea of Manoel Island becoming over-commercialised.

“Is it possible to find a balance,” he asked, expressing concern over the idea of Manoel Island becoming crowded with noisy bars and clubs.

James disagreed with the idea of Manoel Island becoming an extension of the Sliema promenade. Instead, he believed the island should benefit from artists and entrepreneurs who use the space to generate revenue, which would then be reinvested in preserving Manoel Island.

Attard, on the other hand, believed Manoel Island should remain as it is – “wild”.

“I enjoy seeing the island somewhat abandoned, where nature has reclaimed its space. We talked about the variety of plants, birds and species found on the island. Perhaps we could organise nature trails and have rangers but, ultimately, the island should be preserved as it is – wild and beautiful.”

The NGO is organising a final workshop, including a walk and picnic, this Sunday, October 12, at 10 am. The meeting point will be at the security gate of Manoel Island.