Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1343350
9 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 24 FEBRUARY 2021 NEWS ANALYSIS long-distance views of the Gżira/ Sliema front from this location, as well as views of the Fort Ma- noel glacis, with the overall ef- fect is that of limiting the depth of the field of view. Parts of the Manoel Island Yacht Yard shed, and Customs House will remain visible. On the other hand, when viewed from Valletta the main visual changes pertain to the res- toration of the Lazzaretto com- plex. The EIA confirms the massive visual impact of the proposed 33-storey high Metropolis tower which has been already approved but has yet not been construct- ed. The project, first approved in 2008 and renewed in 2014, will practically rise above Fort Ma- noel when viewed from Sliema and Valletta. According to the EIA the pro- posed landscaping of the glacis area and establishment of pub- lic spaces are expected to have a positive impact in terms of land use, particularly considering the current lack of green open spac- es within the general Gzzira/ Sliema area, except for Council of Europe Gardens. MIDI propose the upgrading of the existing marina to provide facilities for circa 188 boats, in- cluding 18 super-yachts of up to 100m and to have it protected by means of a floating breakwater. The project is expected to pro- duce 293,310 sqm of excavation waste, with works being carried out over a period of 50 weeks. From cemetery to park The Lazzaretto cemetery ad- joining the New Plague Hospital (Manoel Hospital) was estab- lished before 1855 for the burial of persons of different religions who died in the Lazzaretto from contagious diseases. Access to the cemetery was through a chapel which was accessible via a long passage accessible from the shore. The complex was se- verely damaged by enemy action during WWII and was left in an abandoned state until the early 1970s when it was converted into a yard and leased for the storage of drill pipes and casings for oil rigs. This site has been disturbed and the chapel was demolished by enemy action during WWII. MIDI will be retaining the leg- ibility of the cemetery, which will remain within the extents of the proposed Green Park. Ma- noel Island includes the remains of six other cemeteries, two of which date back to the time of the Knights of Saint John. Breakdown Area (sq.m) % of total area New buildings 16,553 6% Existing buildings 22,335 8.1% Public squares/streets 51,971 18.8% Waterfront promenade 12,250 4.4% Glacis Park 80,030 29% Green park 10,536 3.8% Foreshore 9,388 3.4% Sports facilities 13,502 10.5% Fort Manoel 29,011 10.5% Private open space 13,190 4.8% Other open space 17,241 62%