Works on the embellishment of Xatt ir-Risq stretching from the Freedom monument in Vittoriosa to the area below Cospicua’s belvedere, as part of the Dock 1 project, have finally been completed. This phase of the project cost around €1.2 million and had started in January last year but was delayed for various reasons, with residents and businesses venting their frustration for the inconveniences caused in due course.
Chris Paris, CEO of the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation (GHRC), said that the entire project costing €5.4 million which is partly financed by the EU, will be ready by July next year. He explained that the previous contractor Marinelli spa which was relieved from the job some months ago after a series of shortcomings, was to blame for the delays. Mr Paris added that in some areas works could not resume, as a preliminary survey had to be carried out to determine the progress registered till then. On the other hand, some parts of the tendering process had to be done from scratch.
The GHRC CEO remarked that during the first phase of the project, which concentrated on the Xatt ir-Risq area, works were delayed due to archaeological findings which had to be properly documented and in some cases dictated slight design modifications. The utility services also proved to be a hard nut to crack as they had been laid out in a haphazard manner with no indication at all about redundant services and others still in use. Mr Paris stated that some of the large stores at Xatt ir-Risq will be leased by the government to private entities but has no further details. As for the responsibility of the maintenance of the area, no decision has been taken yet.
Meanwhile, works have now shifted on the area surrounding the Regatta club in Cospicua. Hopefully, these will be completed by the end of next month, to enable club members to prepare for the 8 September races. Works on Triq ix-Xatt, which was probably the biggest source of inconvenience, is almost ready except for the wearing course.
Mr Paris said that the tender documents for the embellishment of the belvedere next to St Theresa Chapel and Paolino Vassallo Square will be published soon with works expected to commence in September. Regarding the buildings on the other side of the dock close to Senglea, Mr Paris said that these will be restored due to their historical value. He added that a development brief which is expected to be submitted to Mepa by the end of the year will pave the way for the private sector to put forward its proposals for the best use of these buildings.
The Dock 1 project incorporates also the restoration of the common parts of the Verdala Blocks, and the St Nicholas Married Quarters. These have now been completed and are intended to stimulate the regeneration of residential areas in Cospicua. Works on Dar Andrew and San Ġwann t’Gћuxa Gardens are also ready.