New Manoel Island plan to retain public park of over 80,000 square metres

The MIDI group this evening published its revised masterplan for the restoration and redevelopment of Manoel Island, which will now include a public park of over 80,000 square metres in area. 

“In response to valuable feedback received from the broader community, the Gzira Local Council, and the NGOs, Foster + Partners has significantly amended its earlier masterplan for Manoel Island,” said the company on its website.

“Through this process of engagement, MIDI seeks to ensure that Manoel Island’s important heritage buildings and sites, foreshore and significant green park spaces are restored and preserved for the whole community to enjoy for the long term.”

According to the company, the new masterplan will also make Fort Manoel “a centre for Culture and the Arts, comprising of galleries, museums, shops, restaurants and a Parade Ground for open-air events”, while the chapel will also be used for community events, weddings and other celebrations.

The new masterplan includes an 80,000 square metre public park

Moreover, it said the Lazaretto would still be restored and turned into a five-star hotel, with serviced apartments. The residential component of the development will be concentrated “at the western part of the island and will comprise a series of low rise urban blocks.”

The plans also envisage the creation of “animated retail offering sensitively designed around the Island’s open public spaces”. The company stressed this old not be a shopping centre complex.  

The news plans, will also include upgrading the South shore yacht marina, underground vehicle parking and circulation and unique public spaces at street level “connecting the pedestrianized streets to a series of open spaces and piazzas for the enjoyment of the general public”.

Last March, MIDI faced public outcry after publishing plans that included a hotel at Fort Manoel, an extensive shopping complex and a casino-hotel at the historic Lazaretto among other proposals. Speaking at the time, in response to the backlash, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat had said wanted the island to be a "green lung for the area", insisting that he didn't want the community to feel as though it was a stranger to the area.

The new masterplan can be viewed here