Proposed Gzira lido may limit public access to coastline

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority's environment protection directorate is not objecting to the development of a lido on reclaimed land on the Gzira coastline, as long as the public is given access to the seaward edge of the development.

The project envisions the development of a swimming pool and other facilities on reclaimed land adjacent to the present promenade, which will remain public.

But while presently people can walk along the coast, looking directly at the sea between Gzira and Manoel Island, as proposed the area immediately adjacent to the sea will be occupied by private facilities.

According to the EPD, this negative impact can be offset by providing adequate pedestrian access along the seaward edge of the proposed reclaimed coast.

The EPD says that this project is limited to the development of an average-sized lido with ancillary facilities, including public areas. The whole site, including the proposed public space, is situated on land reclaimed from the sea alongside an already-existing artificially engineered coast bounded by a low seawall.

The project will have an ecological impact on Cladocora caespitosa (stony coral) colonies growing within the site footprint and on the artificial quay wall, which will be affected.

The EPD is proposing the supervised relocation of the coral to another spot within Id-Daħla ta' Tas-Sliema.

The major social impacts of the project include the displacement of boat berthing spaces and the restriction of public access along the coast.

While noting that the project does provide public access along the coastline, this is largely provided through narrow service access and stops short of retaining the current availability for public pedestrian use. The developers are expected to address the displacement of existing boat-to-shore berths, whereas the displacement of other (boat-to-buoy) berthing would require relocation to a site in the immediate vicinity within the same creek.

The EPD concluded that provided that these safeguards are duly taken on board, the project is not objectionable.

But the EPD warned that MEPA must ensure that the current ad hoc proposal does not open the floodgates for similar developments along the Gzira/Sliema strand in the absence of a holistic plan for the area.