Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1534095
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 6 APRIL 2025 MANOEL ISLAND A VIBRANT PROJECT THAT BLENDS HISTORY AND LARGE OPEN SPACES FOR THE PUBLIC TO ENJOY 80,000m2 Glacis Park surrounding Fort Manoel 175,000m2 of public open spaces for everyone to enjoy SWIMMING ZONES FOOTBALL AND BOCCI PITCHES 80,000M 2 OF GLACIS PUBLIC PARK SLIPWAY - GHAQDA SAJJIEDA DILETTANTI – GZIRA 35,000M 2 OF NEW PUBLIC OPEN SPACES The Manoel Island development is a vibrant project that blends history, large open spaces, and an array of residential and mixed-use developments. The aspiration of this development is to create several new open spaces in prominent places within the development which, while integrating better the heritage buildings, create open spaces of recreation for the public's enjoyment. Overall, the Manoel Island project will boast a total of 175,000sqm of public open spaces equivalent to 60% of MIDI's concession, of which 80,000sqm is the natural glacis public park surrounding Fort Manoel. This park will be rehabilitated to provide more accessible spaces for the public to relax and enjoy the surroundings of the lush greenery as well as improved access to popular swimming spots. Furthermore, a new 35,000sqm of public open space has been integrated into the development, 10,000sqm of which will become an indigenous public garden, while the rest of the area will include a meditation garden and public plazas spanning from the entrance of the Island to the Lazzaretto. The development also contemplates that the footprint of the new buildings to be developed on Manoel Island be scaled down to cover less than 8% of MIDI's concession. The residential development will consist of three clusters located in two specific areas to ensure that the heritage value of the archaeological findings and historical buildings are preserved. The height of the new buildings is limited to four to five floors and the highest point of the development will not exceed the height of the buildings in Fort Manoel. To ensure that the rights of the public are safeguarded, the Gzira Local Council and MIDI have established the Manoel Island Foundation with the specific purpose of acting as guardian on matters of public interest, including access to the foreshore, the protection of the heritage buildings and the provision of public open spaces. This cooperation with the local council is already bearing fruit as Manoel Island has become increasingly popular with visitors coming for a simple stroll or to access the foreshore to benefit from the extensive bathing areas. In 2024 the number of visitors recorded exceeded 240,000. More information about the new MIDI Manoel Island masterplan can be found at www.manoelisland.com.mt.