Finally, the ball is rolling. Several companies, some Maltese and some foreign, have expressed an interest in the re-development of Dock No. 1 in Cospicua.

It is very obvious that the government is trying to push forward the development of the inner harbour region. Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and several other ministers have been reminding us for quite some time that this is one of the government’s principal aims.

The Valletta waterfront is not yet complete, but parts have been opened and it beautiful to say the least. Of course we are still waiting for the relevant connections to be put in place, but we are getting there slowly but surely.

Now it is Cottonera’s turn.

The investment into the re-development of Dock No. 1 is expected to be no less than Lm12 million. The idea is, of course, to create a continuous waterfront from Valletta which runs all the way round Harbour Creek to Cottonera.

One has to start somewhere and the place identified is Cospicua. It will make a tremendous difference, we are sure, if the city has a beautiful open space to be proud of. One only has to look at the difference minor work in Vittoriosa made to that city. First of all, if an attractive project is put into motion in a city, residents will automatically take up “ownership and responsibility” for it. Secondly, such a project will generate trade and visits to the city, which will of course, be a huge bonus for business owners in the area.

The dock itself will not be altered and will remain a key feature in the area.

However, it will of course be hugely different to the high walled enclosure accompanied by a huge metal gate that we see at present. One can only imagine how nice it would be to have the dock in working order, filled with water and embellished with ambient lighting, street furniture and small cafeterias while dghajjes and the typical luzzu ferry people to and fro the Three Cities and Valletta. Maybe that is a vision that will take a few years to come to fruition, but it is a nice one nonetheless.

Malta always has had huge potential – in particular the harbour area. It is just truly imposing and magnificent. If we can harness that potential and direct our tourist product towards this more sophisticated and more pleasurable type of attraction we would be on to a winner.

However, the government should start looking into the situation at Marsa immediately. It is the potential banana skin in an otherwise brilliantly intricate plan. The concept of a continuous waterfront is precisely that – a stretch of developed and undeveloped coast where one can find entertainment (or simple walking space). Having boat crossings will divert attention away from Marsa, but what about tourists that decide to walk along anyway… Not exactly a great advert at any rate given the current state of affairs.

Also, if the south is getting some much needed attention, then perhaps the people of Marsa (who do put up with a lot) deserve a slice of the cake too.

At any rate, this is hopefully the start of a development plan that will see an overhaul of an area that really deserves it.