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James Debono
Plans for Malta’s first marine aquarium in Qawra appear to have been scrapped indefinitely, as private investors have failed to take the bait.
The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) is currently calling on the public to propose alternatives to the aquarium by issuing a public call for consultation on changes to the Qawra Coast Development Brief.
The idea of an aquarium was first proposed in 2003, and set to be developed below ground level of the existing car park to the south of Fra Ben restaurant.
News that MEPA is changing its policies for the area has prompted concern that this could pave the way for other forms of development on this site.
But MEPA is making it clear that the North West Local Plan excludes residential development in this area.
The proposed aquarium would have also included a catering outlet, a souvenir outlet, adequate staff offices, lecturing facilities, a research lab, a clinic and other compatible facilities.
The development brief stipulated that only species found in local territorial waters should be placed in open tanks, while alien species were to be kept in closed tanks to prevent them from establishing colonies in local waters.
The brief also proposed “touch tanks”, which would have given visitors the opportunity to take a close look at living marine animals.
But after lack of interest from prospective developers, MEPA is set to change the criteria for development in the area.
At this stage MEPA is not making any suggestions for what should replace the marine aquarium.
Jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt |
