Permits from a number of authorities are still pending but, he said, prospects seem to be positive. The system to be used has been identified and will be able to carry some 1,000 passengers per hour.
Mr Grioli made his announcement during the opening of the new 470 metre-long road at Pinto wharf, by Urban Development and Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett.
The road forms part of the Valletta Waterfront Regeneration Project, which has been developed, and will eventually be run, by Viset.
Mr Mugliett praised Viset for the road’s high quality. He said that despite the necessity to re-route a number of utilities, the work had been carried out in a mere seven months and with minimal disruption to traffic flow.
The new route replaces the seafront road that will now be turned into a pedestrian area so it was essential that this was completed before work to pedestrianise the waterfront started.
Work on the new road was begun last October and had cost some Lm350,000. Mr David Drago from AP, the architectural firm responsible for the work, explained that the road includes a servicing tunnel all along Pinto Wharf for the provision of utilities to nearby buildings.
Apart from a much-needed cruise passenger terminal, the waterfront regeneration project will include a large commercial area with plans for entertainment facilities, restaurants, cafes etc. Viset Business Manager Dirk Spiteri told this newspaper that contacts are already being made with a number of foreign and local travel agents to promote the project as a home harbour for a number of cruise liners.
The idea, Mr Spiteri added, is to have a commercial and tourist centre that will pull in visitors both from cruise ships as well as the neighbouring areas and it is hoped that the centre will help in the regeneration of Valletta as a night spot.
Buildings of historical interest are being restored and every measure is being taken to avoid any impact on the Floriana and Valletta Bastions on the site, said Mr Drago.
During a tour of the site, Mr Grioli showed the press other areas beings developed. The laguna, that will form the centre piece of the promenade, is at an advanced stage of excavation. Access to the laguna will follow, with a clearance of some four metres.
Although it will not be accessible to yachts, there are plans for the provision of water taxis and a area where small pleasure boats can be hired.
The promenade is expected to be finished by June 2006. Asked by Minister Mugliett whether the cable car could be incorporated in this deadline if the necessary permits were issued, Mr Grioli replied that it would be tight, but that they would do their best.