The bridge connecting the breakwater with Fort St Elmo, destroyed in 1941 during an attack by the Italian Navy, is to be rebuilt following the original design as part of the Grand Harbour project, Investment, Industry and Information Technology Minister Austin Gatt announced yesterday.

Dr Gatt announced a series of initiatives which will be implemented in the Grand Harbour project. These initiatives are the result of various suggestions and proposals made by over 60 organisations over a consultation period of 13 weeks.

He said that the consultation process was varied and extensive and had a three-pronged approach: meetings with the local councils and stakeholders, and written submissions.

Each individual project will go through the usual channels: application for a Malta Environment and Planning Authority permit and a consultation process.

Dr Gatt spoke about the importance of looking at the holistic vision of the whole project that will restore life to the historic area.

One of the suggestions that was taken up is the commissioning of a transport master plan for traffic within the internal Grand Harbour area, and connecting the Grand Harbour to the rest of Malta.

Dr Gatt explained that the bastions and the historic buildings in the vicinity of each project will be restored.

“Careful attention will be given to the local needs and there will be open dialogue in all phases of the implementation of the project – each of which will have its own consultation process,” he said.

The minister explained that the projects have to try and follow the SmartCity example with investment from private companies.

“Communities need to be integrated and the projects must benefit everyone,” he said.

Dr Gatt said that the shore facilities for the Regatta clubs, amateur fishermen and boatmen will be improved.

A Logistic Maritime Park in Marsa will be built to serve the logistical needs of the oil and gas services in the area.

Furthermore, he said, Coal Wharf will be redeveloped and reorganised and a new deluxe five-star hotel will be built instead of Boffa Hospital

However, following suggestions made during the consultation period, where these exist, natural passageways will be used instead of creating new roads and access to Herbert Ganado Gardens will remain open to the public, said Dr Gatt.

The gap in the Valletta bastions created in the 1970s will be rebuilt and the cruise liner facilities in Valletta will be extended, he said.

Furthermore, new cruise liner facilities will be built in Senglea while facilities for super yachts will be built in Kalkara.

Dr Gatt said the project also included the rehabilitation of the Dock 1 area, a new audio-visual centre in Kalkara and the redevelopment of Ras Hanzir wharf.

The tunnels dating back to World War II situated under the Upper Barrakka gardens and Herbert Ganado Gardens will be restored and opened to the public, said the minister.