Gzira public gardens to be partly ‘commercialised’

A “small part” of Council of Europe garden could be handed over to private operators for commercial purposes, Gzira mayor Roberto Cristiano told MaltaToday.

The garden, which is presently administered by the Gzira and Ta’ Xbiex councils, was one of the areas set to be included in a tender for the privatisation of the Ta’ Xbiex marina.

But the tendering process is presently stalled by a court case instituted by yacht owners against Transport Malta over berthing facilities.

According to Cristiano the intention of the authorities was to ensure that the company awarded the tender for the marina will also be responsible for the upkeep, maintenance and upgrading of Council of Europe garden.

According to the Gzira mayor public access to the garden will not be affected in any way.

But when asked whether the tender would have envisioned the commercialisation of parts of the garden as happened in the Marsaskala family park, Cristiano confirmed that a “very small part” of the garden may be used for commercial purposes.

According to the Gzira mayor at this stage the tendering process is stalled as Transport Malta is awaiting the outcome of court proceedings.

Cristiano denied that the council was involved in any meetings with any private developer, insisting that discussions have been limited to the Gzira and Ta’ Xbiex councils, the lands department and Transport Malta.