Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1506016
11 NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 20 AUGUST 2023 ix-Xatt tal-Imsida will be opened up for traffic to allow vehicular traffic flow from Pieta/Valletta directly to Birkirkara in its perma- nent layout. The traffic lights will be shifted to an alternative loca- tion at Triq d'Argens to control the conflicting traffic flows head- ing towards Sliema/Gzira and to- wards Pieta/Valletta. This would allow for the civil works to focus on the remaining areas including for the construction of the open areas, landscaped areas, public pi- azza, recreational facilities and the construction of the car park. A makeover of Msida The proposed development shall include the relocation of the ex- isting bocci club and pitch which will be shifted by circa 27m to- wards the Workers' monument. An existing kiosk will be relocated further east, towards the proposed square in front of Msida Parish Church. The proposed development shall also include the removal of the ex- isting playground and the installa- tion of a new playground includ- ing new outdoor play facilities. The proposal also foresees the creation of a water channel ex- tending from Msida bay up to the corner between Misrah il-Menqa and Triq M.A. Vassalli. The chan- nel will be six metres wide and is intended to alleviate flooding problems in the area by capturing storm water directing any surface runoff directly into the sea. Three lightweight bridges are being pro- posed to allow for crossing the wa- ter canal. A floating net to be installed below the road linking Ta' Xbiex to Valletta is being proposed to capture urban litter from being discharged into the sea. A main- tenance contract for cleaning and maintenance of the system will ensure that rubbish will not accu- mulate in the canal. The canal wall swill also have an irregular rough surface to mimic the rocky coast- line and thus encourage colonisa- tion by living creatures. Project to include 1,300sq.m car- park The proposal includes the con- struction of a so-called 'mobility hub', comprising a two-level car park located towards the eastern part of the site facing Triq Xatt l-Imsida, having an approximate area of circa 1,300sq.m and will include 110 parking spaces. The carpark will be roofed over with canopies supporting photovolta- ic panels, and screened with soft landscaping. The aim of this hub according to its proponents is to organise ex- isting at-grade parking facilities in Misrah il-5 t'Ottubru. The use of the car park will be limited to light vehicles only to avoid its use by larger commercial vehicles. The public car park is being proposed adjacent to the bus interchange and connected with the public open spaces through footpaths and passageways away from main roads. This car park will be ac- cessed through a separate service road from the main traffic flow to avoid congestion, with the en- trance located on the eastbound lane heading towards Pieta/Val- letta. The exit of the car park will be through a priority T-junction, connecting with the eastbound vehicular traffic flow heading to- wards Pieta/Valleta through Triq Marina. New square next to parish church The proposal includes the crea- tion of a 2,200sq.m square in front of the Msida parish church. This will be brought about by shifting the main traffic route away and al- lowing only very limited local traf- fic passing through Triq il-Par- rocca. The pjazza will be kept free from any permanent embellish- ments to allow for flexibility how it may be used. The case officer report outlines plans to introduce a new shared cycling and pedestrian walkway extending around the project site that will allow both pedestrians and cyclists to reach the vari- ous pedestrian crossings located around the site, including the construction of three bridges to allow for crossing the water ca- nal. The proposal will not include footpaths along Triq M. A. Vas- salli for safety purposes, but other alternatives shall be provided for pedestrians through less trafficked routes that will ensure connectiv- ity between the centre of Msida and the Tal-Qroqq area, particu- larly through Triq il-Kuncizzjoni onto Triq San Alwigi, and through Triq Johnny Catania. The existing Workers Memori- al monument shall be retained in its place. The proposal also fore- sees a new statue dedicated to St Joseph located towards the right- hand side of the playing field when facing Msida church. No details regarding the statue have been submitted, and the erection of this new monument will require a sep- arate application. for approval in October