The spectacular and forward looking redevelopment of the Marsamxett and St Elmo area of Valletta will all hinge on the placement of a breakwater to brace the entrance of the harbour against the harsh northern winds.

The breakwater is expected to cost tens of thousands of euros, said Investment and Industry Minister Austin Gatt, but the huge amount of proposed projects will fail to materialise if this is not put into place. The array of projects being proposed is truly remarkable and will surely make a massive contribution in the regeneration of Valletta and the surrounding harbour areas.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi opened yesterday’s conference by pointing out that at present, Marsamxett is a seasonal port. “There is no breakwater, yet, but once it is built, we will be able to utilise the huge amount of heritage and open spaces for the benefit of Maltese and tourists alike,” he said.

Dr Gonzi said that redeveloping the area will lead to economic regeneration, in turn creating jobs. However, he said that the government did not see the “other side” of Valletta as being on the industrial or mercantile side of things. “This is all in line with our vision for the state of Malta in 2015. However, all this needs to be carried out while safeguarding the very rich heritage we have all around Valletta. It has great national and international value,” said Dr Gonzi.

He said that the redevelopment plan needed to improve the tourism product while at the same time allowing sustainable business. “We also need to make sure that we ward off any land speculators. The location itself is exceptional. We want it to be a showcase of new and innovative commerce, and which we want to turn into more jobs for the people of Malta and Gozo,” he said, adding that the focus should be on catering for cruise liners and yachts.

Minister Gatt was then handed the floor where he gave an impressive and lengthy, yet very well compiled, presentation of the projects. “The first thing we need to do is turn the harbour into one that is functional all year round. The breakwater will allow that and while it will be expensive, it is necessary for the whole thing to take off,” he said.

One of the major developments will be the construction of a new cruise liner quay under Fort St Elmo which will complement the three others which are planned for the Grand Harbour.

He also said that another quay will be placed under the British Bastion. “That means five new berthing points and four of those can take the super cruise liners which can take up to 5,000 passengers on board,” he said.

To accommodate the extra vessels, another cruise liner terminal will be incorporated into Fort St Elmo and will sustain the whole area with the generated activity. “The upper part of St Elmo will be turned into a cultural centre where we will have museums and theatres,” he said, shooting down the MLP’s plan to house the AFM’s HQ there in the process.

“We will also rebuild what we are calling the icon of this project. We will rebuild the old lighthouse built by the Knights of St John in its original style and according to plan,” he said, adding that it had been removed by the British during WWII for defence reasons.

The government also wants to open all parts of Valletta that are closed, particularly the bastions so as to have a continuous heritage walk. This will also involve the excavation of a couple of small tunnels to afford better access to the lower levels of the historic fort.

“We are also going to reclaim all the granaries which were covered over with tarmac in the 1950’s so people can enjoy more open spaces. Evans building, which has no historic value, will be demolished and replaced by a five-star hotel. In the process, we hope to unearth remains of the Chapel of the Bones, and if we do, we will cover it over with glass to become a part of the hotel which can be a sight in itself,” he said.

Various mixed use and specific piers and marinas will also be constructed all the way round the “other side” of the Valletta peninsula, continuing on to Pieta, Gzira and parts of Tigne. The space known as the present Sliema Ferries will be redeveloped for pleasure cruise craft. The whole of Marsamxett will get a facelift with green and open spaces being incorporated into the plan. “Bridges will also be built from Marsamxett to the Excelsior Hotel and the Valletta water polo pitch will be rebuilt in a more complementary style,” said Dr Gatt.

Beltisebh will become the site for a 1,500 car underground car park. The AFM will be moved from Haywharf to possible sites in the Grand Harbour or Marsaxlokk and the maritime base will be turned into a yacht marina (where a berth is currently being built) and a water park. “Not a swimming pool!” joked Dr Gatt in one of his usual interjections.

The Gozo channel quay will be rebuilt to allow for easier berthing and loading and unloading, but will remain in the same area. The Pieta Pinetum will be properly restored and the fortifications around it will be rebuilt. TMID asked whether it would at all be feasible to re-open the water connection between the two ports. “I’m afraid, not at all,” said Dr Gatt. He added that the amount of excavation work needed to be done would cost more than the construction of the breakwater. “Also, we would lose certain areas that are nowadays essential, for example Floriana, it would be cut off by water,” he said with a tinge of disappointment. However, Dr Gatt said that all in all, this was a very ambitious plan that offers a contrast to the City Gate access point. “It will be a very good destination. We all saw what has been done at the Valletta Waterfront and I’m sure that this will be even more attractive,” he said.

Hopefully, the government will also come up with a plan for the traditional entry to Valletta. Former PN administrations had drawn up plans encompassing the bus terminal, City Gate and the Opera House, yet these were withdrawn and have lain dormant since. Dr Gatt said the consultation process will begin in January.