The unsightly concrete wall erected on the Gzira-Sliema promenade is in preparation for the construction of a lido.

This newsroom contacted the Gzira local council about the issue, and a council employee explained that wall was actually hoarding, and was placed there due to works about to begin on a lido. The employee explained that such hoarding is required as per building regulations for safety reasons, and also assured that public access to the foreshore will be present within the project, as people would be able to walk around the lido as well once built.

The lido in question had been approved back in 2016.

The Planning Board had unanimously approved planning permission for the construction of a 2,200 sq m lido along the promenade of Triq ix-Xatt in Gzira. The lido project, which will include the reclamation of land will also involve the development and construction of an outdoor swimming pool, a sundeck area, two restaurants, changing rooms and toilet facilities and a recreational play area for public use.

The application that was approved is a scaled-down version from what was originally applied for in 2006, parts of which would have hidden the sea view from people passing by on the promenade.

This is not the only development that is going to be affecting Gzira, as plans for the works on Manoel Island are slowly also being worked on.