Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1440864
11 COMMERCIAL 6.1.2022 THE inner most sheltered part of the Grand Harbour, along the coastal area of Marsa, will be given a new strategic vision focusing on sustainable oppor- tunities, this after the Planning Authority initiated the process to carry out a planning review for the entire area. Due to its strategic location, over the past decades, the area has been heavily industrialised to cater for ship building and repairs, cargo handling and distribution, power generation and fuel storage amongst other activities. As a result, the urban environment of the area has deteriorated considerably with Marsa experiencing the highest population percentage loss of any settlement in Malta. e vision is that all this heavy industry is significantly scaled down or relocated giving the area the chance to re-invent itself into a prime tourism and leisure harbour destination. Integrated in this vision is the creation of a socially diverse, coastal residential neighbour- hood on the site of the ex-Mar- sa Power Station and its imme- diate areas. Albert Town will be trans- formed into a high-quality in- novation hub with facilities and shared spaces for start-ups in the creative industries. Public access to the coast shall be re- stored as part of a network of public green open spaces and recreational areas. e vision is to exclude the potential of new tall buildings within this area as they may de- tract from the wider historical landscape value of the fortifica- tions. Buildings must adopt in- novative architectural designs evoking the maritime history of the harbour location and relate well to the existing buildings of cultural importance, especial- ly the Chadwick Building, the ex-Sea Malta Building and the other traditional warehouse buildings on the quays. A major transport inter- change to accommodate the wideset range possible of pub- lic transport, both on land and sea will also need to be catered for. Martin Saliba, Chairperson of the PA Executive Coun- cil pointed out "the future of this area should be driven by a shared vision by all stakehold- ers – residents, community leaders, the business commu- nity and Government. e goal is to first prioritise the cur- rent and urgent needs of the community and set the future planning policy framework to transform this strategic area in Malta into an attractive place to live in, set up business and create a unique experience for visitors. e plan is to ensure that any development seeks to be carbon neutral and energy efficient, respecting the cultur- al and industrial heritage of the area." e full list of the proposed objectives which the Govern- ment has submitted to the Plan- ning Authority and which will guide the necessary amend- ments that need to be carried out to the 2002 Grand Harbour Local Plan may be viewed on the Authority's website: www. pa.org.mt/consultation. e Authority invites inter- ested parties to submit their comments pertaining to these proposed objectives on email address ghlp@pa.org.mt. is first phase of public consulta- tion will close on 15 January 2022. PA kicks off process to regenerate Marsa inner harbour