MIDI plc has published a new masterplan for Manoel Island, reducing the area of land planned for new development.

Proposed development on the site has been a topic of controversy for a number of years.

Last December, it was decided that the Manoel Island project is to be reviewed in full by the Planning Authority.

The Environment and Planning Review Tribunal had annulled the environment impact assessment (EIA) and outline development permit for the masterplan for the island, after it was uncovered that the cultural heritage report which was part of the EIA was drawn up by a close family member (the son) of one of MIDI's directors.

Earlier this month, it was announced that all construction works on Manoel Island had been suspended by the Planning Authority until a final decision is taken on the application for a master plan for the area. This, after concerns were raised by ENGOs, including Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar. The PA said that any works that have already been approved have been suspended and three full development permits will be non-executable until a decision is taken on the outline application.

Now, MIDI has made changes to the masterplan, among other things reducing the footprint of proposed new buildings on the island. MIDI Plc said in a statement that the revised masterplan contemplates that the footprint of the new buildings to be developed on Manoel Island will be scaled down from 26% to approximately 10% of the site area and the gross floor area of the new buildings will total 55,000sqm compared to the 95,000sqm as contemplated in the Deed of Emphyteusis entered into with Government. MIDI also confirmed that it has submitted a revised Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to the Environmental Resources Authority (ERA).

According to a summary of changes document dated 15 January 2021 submitted by the developer's architect to the Planning Authority (made available to the public on 17 February 2021), the developer had over the years conducted 'intensive investigative studies' of all sites of former cemeteries that were to be affected by excavation works.

"The result of the process confirmed and uncovered remnants of former cemeteries indicated in the Cultural Heritage Report of 2018. This led the client to engage in an extensive redesign exercise of the masterplan proposal originally presented two years ago. The underlying principle of the updated masterplan brief has been to totally omit any development on the former cemetery sites."

The summary of changes document reads that the decrease in development implies that more of the site will be converted into open space. "The new masterplan proposal provides an additional increase of 18,000sqm of open space for the enjoyment of the general public, when compared to the old masterplan. The total amount of open space in the new masterplan now stands at 192,000sqm, i.e. more than two thirds of Manoel island will remain open space."

This includes two significant open spaces, namely an 80,000sqm Glacis Park surrounding Fort Manoel and a 35,000sqm open space at the entrance of the Island.  

In terms of building heights, the summary of changes document reads that they do not exceed the heights of the 2017 masterplan.

MIDI Plc's statement on the proposed new masterplan reads that the revised masterplan also contemplates a complete overhaul of the existing yacht marina in order to provide safe berthing for yachts of varying size. "However, protection will be provided by a floating breakwater thus mitigating the environmental impact associated with developing a solid breakwater. Furthermore, the existing slipway, which is situated on the north side of the Island and used by local enthusiasts, will be upgraded as part of the development."

"The commercial component in the revised masterplan is sensitively designed around the Cattle Shed and the Customs House to complement the new public area which is being provided in the heart of the development."

MIDI said that no efforts have been spared to ensure that all the heritage buildings will be restored and given a new lease of life, "in particular the Lazzaretto which will be used for mixed use and hospitality purposes. The restoration of the heritage buildings will be undertaken at a cost estimated at more than €40 million, which includes the works already undertaken to restore Fort Manoel to its former glory."

Furthermore, MIDI said in its statement that it will develop sports facilities which will revert back to government for the benefit of the local community. "The facilities include a full size football pitch for Gzira United FC and a Bocci Club."

MIDI CEO Mark Portelli said that "the Manoel Island Foundation, which was set-up by the Gzira Local Council and MIDI, will continue to act as guardian in line with the Guardianship Deed, thus ensuring that the public interest is safeguarded at all times, in particular with respect to access to the foreshore, protection of the heritage buildings, the provision of public open spaces and building heights."   

Facebook Group Inhobbu Gzira has commented on the new masterplan. "MIDI plc has published a new masterplan for Manoel Island. This new masterplan is far less intensive than the previous masterplan. Land reclamation over the the North Shore has been abandoned. The underwater archeological remains are now recognised. Built up areas and heights scaled down. The roundabout opposite Triq Reid has apparently been eliminated. The public boat slipway is being retained. Seems that our pressure on that matter has been succesful.  We will be studying the new plan very carefully and will let you know our thoughts. Together with Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar we will keep up our pressure on MIDI plc."

Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA), in a statement, welcomed this new masterplan. "The new plans consider some of the arguments highlighted in years of relentless campaigning, objections, an 8,000-signature Parliamentary petition, appeals and continuous pressure from Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar and grassroots group Inħobbu l-Gzira. The previous plans would have deprived the public of green open spaces and blocked the iconic view of the Valletta Bastions. Other elements which were highlighted in the campaign are also being addressed by MIDI plc in the new masterplan," FAA said.

"The underwater archaeological remains flagged by residents and confirmed by reputable archaeologists are now recognised and will hopefully be studied further and preserved. Many of Manoel Island's historical cemeteries were to be developed into car parks and residential units. The new plans indicate that these cemeteries are now to be protected. "

"In addition to this, the previous plans for a roundabout opposite Triq Reid which would have swallowed up a large section of the promenade and generated substantial air pollution have apparently been eliminated from the plans. Moreover, the public slipway which has been used by small boat owners and fishermen is to be retained. "

FAA and Inħobbu l-Gzira reiterated their committment to safeguard the enormous landscape value of the Valletta and Floriana bastions from Gzira. "Since Gzira has no public squares for recreation, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar and Inħobbu l-Gzira also highlight the need to enhance the harbourside experience of Gzira along with the town's link to the sea and Manoel Island. At this stage, FAA and Inħobbu l-Gzira are encouraged by MIDI plc's new stance on the development of Manoel Island and will be studying the new plans to see how this would affect residents' quality of life."