Big plans for Three Cities with Dock 1 works well underway

Today, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Infrastructure Minister Austin Gatt visited ongoing works at the Dock 1 project, which is part of Grand Harbour projects unveiled last year by the ministry of transport, infrastructure and

Approximately €7.5 million, from a total of €9.6 million of an EU funded project, has been invested in projects like the cruise ship berthing facility at Boiler Wharf in Senglea and the large project happening in Ricasoli, Smart City Malta.

Landscaping of Dock 1 will include redesigning of common public areas to convert this unused industrial site into a high quality recreational and leisure space for all the family.

From the Birgu side the car park will be redesigned to give priority to pedestrians. The present wall along the Bormla side will be removed and residents will have total access to the promenade. Part of the wall between the British and Knights buildings, will also be removed to provide access to this part of Cospicua and the entrance to Senglea.

Infrastructural systems and services have been diverted to the road above at Xatt ir-Risq, while other services have been redirected through new service ducts.

The Birgu Waterfront will be connected to the Isla side through Bormla, creating pedestrian connection from St. Angelo to Boiler Wharf. Upon the completion of this project a continuous link will be created along the Three Cities, pending the completion of Isla promenade to Boiler Wharf.

During excavation works carried out over the past few weeks, paving dating back to the mid-1800s, the English period, was discovered. The majority is made up of limestone square slabs. Some hard stone slabs were also uncovered. The Grand Harbour Regeneration Committee is working with the Heritage Planning Unit (HPU) within MEPA to conserve this heritage. HPU have indicated that all paving is to be protected.

Works include a full rehabilitation of the storm water system in the main square to avoid flooding.

Renovation works will also cover the common areas of St Nicholas Married Quarters and the Verdala Housing Estates in Bormla.  The completed project will see regeneration of this particular housing area and is envisaged to renovate 94 households improving the quality of life for around 200 residents.