It is said that the future belongs to the curious and that curiosity is the engine of achievement.

True, at the basis of every research mission or scientific experiment lies the strong desire which mankind has always shown to know or learn something.

It is on the basis of that curiosity that talent, coupled with a healthy mix of funding opportunities, collaborations and hard work, produces innovations which cure maladies, improve business and create new solutions.

The Esplora Interactive Science Centre at Bighi has been aptly described as a flagship project by the European Commission and this is by no means a coincidence.  Over the years, since its first opening, has managed to bring science and research closer to the people and communities.

With each child that leaves the Science Centre mesmerized with the beauty of physics, biology and inventions, another seed in the collective soil is being planted towards having, symbolically, a rich garden of innovation in the Malta of tomorrow.  Like in education, this process takes time but the fact that it does take time does not render it less important.  Rather, it will create a critical mass which will blast open the doors of a future pro-research society.

We took the concept of outreach and accessibility in this field to a total new level.  With an investment of EUR 2.5 million, under the excellent headship of MCST Executive Chairperson Dr Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, the foreshore just under the Esplora Interactive Science Centre has been totally restored and made accessible to ferries crossing from the Grand Harbour and elsewhere.

Indeed this is a fantastic example of initiative which saw MCST go beyond its core business and take on this challenging project for the benefit of the whole community.

Along with Prime Minister Robert Abela and Jeffrey, last Tuesday we inaugurated the project which first and foremost gave back this foreshore to the people.  Visitors can now enjoy the amazing beauty which the Kottonera side of the Grand Harbour area offers, while enjoying the newly restored pedestrian area.

The stretch of land between Esplora and Kalkara creek was in an extremely dilapidated and dangerous state, mainly consisting of rubble and reclaimed land with haphazardly laid material used for reclamation in the late 40’s and 50s meaning that the sea was steadily eroding the area.

Also, the Esplora Foreshore Rehabilitation Project now provides the public with safe access along the Kalkara Creek up until the Cot Lift.  Historically, the Cot Lift was used to take up injured and ill patients on stretchers, directly from sea level to what was then, the Bighi Naval Hospital. The lift was replaced with a modern one to conform with present standards while the tower housing it went through extensive restoration. Visitors landing on the new Esplora pier will now be able to enter Esplora directly through this iconic building.

Indeed, this beautiful area has been restored and handed back to the public in a way that fully respects its authenticity and unique historical value. 

More importantly, this project has increased the accessibility of Esplora and can be now reached by sea.   Esplora already welcomes around 100,000 visitors in a normal year and thanks to this project and the overall experience it brings, that number is set to increase.

Indeed this project is the latest milestone reached by The Malta Council for Science and Technology in its unceasing efforts at converting the magnificent Bighi Peninsula into a National Science Hub.

The efforts, over the past years, have focused on the restoration and refurbishment of historic Villa Bighi and the setting up of Esplora.   Now that the Esplora Foreshore project has been brought to fruition, preparatory works have now started on the rehabilitation of the remaining foreshore around the peninsula and the creation of a walkway which will link Kalkara to Rinella Bay.

Our next major project is the setting up of a state-of-the-art Natural History Experience, EsploraNatura, on the east side of Bighi which will result in a complex which, in its entirety, will be unrivalled in the Mediterranean.

Looking back, the Kottonera region has changed drastically for the better in the last years under a Labour Government and has been given a new lease of life.  The list of works undertaken is endless.

I personally take immense pride recalling the massively successful restoration project of Fort St Angelo (formerly considered as a ship by the British Empire), which took place during my tenure as Culture Minister, as did the works undertaken on the “ponta ta’ l-Isla” and the iconic “gardjola”, not to mention the restoration works on bastions and religious heritage.

Also, under my tenure as Culture Minister I had spearheaded the creation of Fondazzjoni Kottonera with the aim of building upon the extremely positive experience of Fondazzjoni Valletta 2018 and using this new Foundation as a catalyst for more change for the better in this beautiful part of our country.

The restoration of the Esplora foreshore and its linkage by ferry is another beautiful project which will keep improving the quality of life of the people of Kottonera, increase accessibility to the Interactive centre and enhance the touristic product of Malta as a whole.

Well done to all those involved.  Truly a very beautiful piece of work!