The MCP carpark in Floriana is to be extended by 400 parking spaces in a €5m project announced today by Land Minister Jason Azzopardi.

He said the project is expected to be completed within 18 months of the granting of the Mepa permit.

The roof of the car park will be converted into a public garden.

Dr Azzopardi told a press conference that he has presented a motion in parliament for the lease of the land to be extended by a further 65 years once the current one expires in 2041. The groundrent will rise from the current €23,000 to €200,000.

The company running the car park is being bound to maintain the public garden on the roof. No commercial activities will be allowed at the car park other than car valeting and possibly a sports facility such as a gym.

The project will see the inner core of the car park being built up. Current car park operations will not be affected.

The MCP car park in its current state. The centre will be built up and the roof will become a garden.

Dr Azzopardi said the government welcomed the project because it would improve motorists' access to Valetta. The garden would also be a more pleasing feature of the entrance to the Capital.

He described the project was “a huge boost” for the Valletta business community.

“It’s a win-win situation for existing businesses because it will encourage more potential customers to visit Valletta but competition will not increase because new businesses will not be opening in the car park,” he said.

He also dismissed fears about the environmental impact of encouraging more cars to come into Valletta.

“The new garden will improve air quality in the area,” he said.