The Ministry for Transport has said that both the Chamber of Architect's proposal and Infrastructure Malta's proposed project for the Msida Creek development "are aligned on the core principles of the development."

The Malta Independent sent questions to the Ministry with regards to the Msida Creek project development - and its alternative.

Last June, the Chamber of Architects (KTP), in collaboration with Periti Studio and designprinciple, published a proposal to turn the Msida Creek area into a woodland park.

The proposal addressed concerns about Infrastructure Malta's (IM) plans to construct a new flyover in the area in attempt to reduce traffic congestion, with KTP saying that such a proposal would increase traffic flow through Msida.

The KTP's vision was to transform Msida's core into a 20,000 square metre tree-filled park.

While several were those who welcomed the alternative, which would have ditched the agency's proposed flyover, Infrastructure Malta reportedly rejected the KTP's idea for the area, citing several technical difficulties, as well as it being too late.

The Ministry was asked if Transport Minister Chris Bonett would be meeting with the KTP to discuss technicalities and see if its alternative could work. It was also asked if any of the KTP's recommendations in its proposed project would be taken up, and if Infrastructure Malta's report which turned down KTP's proposal would be published.

"While the KTP's proposed project for the Msida Creek development may appear significantly different, it can be stated that both parties are aligned on the core principles of the said development," a spokesperson for the ministry said.

The spokesperson went on to say that Infrastructure Malta's Msida Creek Project will incorporate a landscaped zone and public garden, spanning a total area of 5,500 square metres.

The project will also incorporate facilities for alternative modes of travel - including cycling and walking. As part of flood prevention efforts, the agency is introducing a new 300-metre seawater channel, forming part of a plan to alleviate flooding difficulties in the area.

The spokesperson said that the latter will be integrated into a landscaped area designated for urban regeneration.

The spokesperson continued that 60% of the project is dedicated to open public spaces, enhancing the environment into a more pleasant area with facilities, such as a playing field, and a new 2,200 square metre piazza in front of the Msida Parish Church.

"This project includes the redesign and reconstruction of the traffic lights junction connecting Triq il-Marina (to and from Sa Maison and Valletta), Triq il-Wied tal-Imsida and Triq Mikiel Anton Vassalli (to and from the Tal-Qroqq Skatepark roundabout) and the upgrading of a number of nearby junctions with other roads leading to and from Gżira, Sliema and Ta' Xbiex," the spokesperson said.

The Ministry spokesperson said that the plans of the road design will eliminate traffic light waiting times and reduce travel times and accident risks along this arterial route, whilst improving air quality in this part of Msida, and other nearby residential and recreational areas.

"As part of this investment, Infrastructure Malta will also improve public transport connections along this route where the bus service is widely used," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson continued that wider pavements will also be built, along with a part of the new segregated cycling and walking track by the seafront, that eventually will connect Tal-Pietà with Ta' Xbiex and Triq il-Wied tal-Imsida.

Pelican pedestrian crossings will be added for safe connections when travelling on foot or cyclists, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also said that a number of meetings were held between the KTP and IM, and the Ministry said it remains committed to an open dialogue with all stakeholders as things go forward.

The Malta Independent had also reached out to PN Msida Mayor Charles Selvaggi, who suggested that all stakeholders and entities sit and discuss any alternative proposals for the Msida Creek Project, which would dismiss plans for a flyover.

Selvaggi said that many Msida residents opposed a flyover in the area, and he himself would prefer opting for a project involving an open space, without a flyover.