The Planning Authority today approved the permit for the construction of the Carnival Experience in Marsa, that will gather all those works related to carnival, including regarding the building of floats under one roof.

The application was for the excavation and construction of the Malta Carnival Experience, which will include interactive workshops, a parking area, a piazza, substation and a multi-purpose structure.

The multi-purpose structure will include a museum, audio-visual centre, a dance rehearsal studio, a cafeteria a souvenir shop and administration spaces.

All in all, there will be around 18 large warehouses and 8 smaller ones, where floats could be built, costumes stored and designed, etc.

The site will replace the Marsa Government Garage, and some buildings on the site are having asbestos currently removed. The site area totals 18,500 sqm, and is accessed through Triq Troubridge Marsa. It is currently used by the Manufacturing and Services Directorate for the Transport Ministry. The site is located within the Albert Town Industrial Zone.

Construction will occur within three phases. The whole project is expected to conclude by June 2019.

The parking spaces on site in use by the Fisheries Department will be kept and reserved for that Department through the construction and operation phases.

An issue regarding possible archaeological remains came up during the meeting, however the applicant explained that an agreement was made with the Superintendance of Cultural Heritage that investigations on site will take place prior and any such items will be excavated.