Identifying places to be developed as an attraction and for public use is something which the government is committed to, according to Mr Joe Mizzi, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure.

Addressing a conference organized by the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation (GHRC), who were involved in the regeneration of places around Malta, with special attention towards social, economic and environmental context, Mr Mizzi spoke about the need for restoration projects of national monuments and architectural structures, in order to to improve the quality of life of residents and visitors whilst developing the economy.

He recalled that the GHRC, within the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, coordinated country several major projects, including the construction of the new Parliament, the rehabilitation of Fort St Elmo, and Castille Square, and currently oversees the Triton Square project.

He said that the ministry, together with the GHRC and Office of the Prime Minister, is working on a plan to regenerate Birzebbuga as announced in this year’s budget, continuing that his point of departure will be consultation with residents who ‘always felt like they were forgotten from rehabilitation projects’.

Minister Mizzi mentioned the Dock Number 1 project in Cospicua as an example of regeneration of particular zones, saying that, up till a few years ago, prior to regeneration, Cottonera and its suburbs were zones that many people did not know about.