The regeneration of the old power station area in Marsa is a unique opportunity that should not be squandered for the development of more tourism infrastructure, ADPD – The Green Party Chairperson, Carmel Cacopardo said Saturday.

This regeneration exercise should be taken up as an opportunity to re-organise, modernise and increase the maritime sector’s contribution to the national economy while reducing its environmental impacts, he said during a press conference along the Marsa coastline this morning.

The maritime hub vision had indicated an area of 175,000m² for strategic use of a number of related industries including ship repair and yachting services. The public consultation also includes a number of activities and services that aim to improve the quality of life of the nearby community. This zone’s regeneration should not be tied up to tourism.

While we acknowledge that it is beneficial to restore old derelict buildings in the area, one should not forget the residential area of Marsa that has been neglected for many years. Any development in this area should take a holistic view of regeneration and lead to a better quality of life for the Marsa residents.

In this early stage of consultation there is still the opportunity to consider alternative scenarios. This consultation should serve as a unique opportunity to consider the best vision for the Marsa harbour area regeneration for everybody’s benefit – a vision that considers all of Marsa and not just one area, he said.