The Marina di Valletta consortium has been selected to develop, operate and manage an all-weather yacht marina at Sa Maison, Transport Malta announced this afternoon.

The consortium's proposal was deemed to be the most advantageous one received after the issuing of a request for proposals by the transport authority.

The Marina di Valletta consortium is made up of local and Italian firms, and Italian marina operator Marina di Varazze srl is the lead investor.

The planned 274-berth marina is set to be developed on the standards established by the Azimut|Benetti Group - which is operated and owned by the same owner of Marina di Varazze - across their network of marinas.

The marina is to be sheltered by the installation of a floating breakwater, and infrastructural works also envisage the construction of a wave-dissipating revetment along the Pietà quay to render the marina an all-year berthing facility.

The contract will be signed in the coming days, and the marina is expected to be fully operational within three years. No works are to be carried out during the current yachting season.

The construction of the marina will lead to the relocation of the security gate and guardhouse at the Armed Forces of Malta's maritime base in Haywharf, as well as the relocation of Gozo Channel operations.

A report commissioned by Transport Malta highlighted that the development's visual impact on the fortifications would be of "major significance."

Another project having significant visual impact on the area's fortifications is presently being developed, with the erection of sizeable concrete structures within the Haywharf base. No permit was required for this construction, under amendments to planning laws approved last year.