Manoel Island developers reiterate plans to complete project

The developers behind Tigné Point and Manoel Island development have sent out a public declaration insisting that they will complete obligations arising from its 2000 deed to develop the island, as protest mounts against the as yet unfinished project.

With environmental NGOs objecting to the take-up of coastal land last year, MIDI plc is now under renewed public pressure to limit development on the green lung.

“MIDI remains fully committed to fulfilling the obligations arising from the deed. We are committed to maintaining a constructive dialogue with the various stakeholders of the project and refine its current proposals in line with these discussions.”

The company this week will organise an open day at Fort Manoel, as NGOs renew their protest against the take-up of the land.

The restoration of heritage sites at both Tigné Point and Manoel Island is an ongoing process, with the company saying that it has spent €20 million in the restoration of St George’s Chapel and Fort Manoel.

The fort will be opened during an open weekend on Saturday and Sunday 8-9 April, with an extensive programme of various entertainment, recreational and cultural events, including historical re-enactments, tours, lectures by various experts and exhibitions in various halls within the Fort.

“This is the second time that the company is opening up Fort Manoel to the public, when thousands flocked to see the Fort restored to its original state.  The next phase will see the restoration of the vast bastion walls and ditch surrounding the Fort, which will bring this unique landmark heritage monument to its original glory,” MIDI chief executive Luke Coppini said.

Fort Manoel was built between 1723 and 1733 by the Knights of St John under the patronage of Portuguese Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena. During World War II, Manoel Island and its Fort were used as a naval submarine base by the Royal Navy at which time it was referred to variously as HMS Talbot or HMS Phoenicia. The British who took it over in 1800, used it as a naval base including during WWII when it was severely bombed.

The concession to develop Manoel Island, together with Tigne Point, formed part of a competitive tender process that was initiated in 1993 by the Nationalist administration.

The tender also included the request for a Casino element, the sustainability of which is currently under consideration, the company said.

The deed was eventually signed in 2000, with the concession split between €60 million in premia payable to the government, €33 million in infrastructural and restoration obligations and a ground rent of €181 million payable over the 99‐year term of the lease.

MIDI has engaged international financial advisors Strategy& on a thorough market analysis and business plan for the Manoel Island project, together with world renowned architectural firm, Foster+Partners, for the creation of a conceptual master plan.

“In the meantime, the Company entered into consultative discussions and presentations with stakeholders, including various NGOs and the Gzira Local Council, in order to receive constructive feedback on the project. MIDI remains fully committed to fulfilling the obligations arising from the deed. MIDI is also com‐ mitted to maintaining a constructive dialogue with the various stakeholders of the project and refine its current proposals in line with these discussions.”