INDIS Malta will assist in the completion of the renovation works at the Ta' Qali Artisan Village, Minister for the Economy and Industry Silvio Schembri announced.
INDIS Malta is responsible for the administration of government-owned industrial parks and related facilities around Malta and Gozo, as well as supporting and promoting their further development.
"INDIS Malta has launched a framework agreement through which it will take responsibility on behalf of the artisans," Schembri remarked. This will be done so that they will hire the contractors at pre-established rates in order to complete the work at the Ta' Qali Artisan Village in the shortest possible time.
"Today I can announce that, through the support provided by this agreement, the construction on all the remaining plots that need to be renovated will start next June," Schembri said.
The plots areas will be divided into 4 and will be built simultaneously by different contractors, thus speeding up the process.
To date, out of 70 artisans, 19 have completed their works and started operating. There are 8 works in progress at the moment while 43 are still pending.
22 of these have already been confirmed and entered into the framework agreement launched by INDIS. Work will therefore begin on them, Schembri pointed out.
The rest are in the final discussions with INDIS so that they too can join this work program.
"Our vision for this village goes beyond this, as we are looking to give a complete village that offers all the services."
He also pointed out that the visual appeal of buildings and construction will also be taken into account.
"Another ambitious project that breathe life to this area is the construction of an immersive attraction for visitors, which will be the first of its kind in Malta. Its purpose is to encourage thousands of people to the artisan village, thus generating additional activity in the area for the benefit of all artisans."
Several open spaces around this artisan village including swings, parking, public amenities and open spaces are also being introduced.
"The goal is for this area to become a tourist landmark."
