Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/290775
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 6 APRIL 2014 5 News Sliema strand earmarked for superyachts marina JAMES DEBONO THE outer part of Sliema's creek is being earmarked for a land rec- lamation project and the develop- ment of a superyacht hub, Malta- Today has learnt. The project, modelled on simi- lar projects as in San Tropez and Dubai, will create more space for commercial outlets, parking facili- ties and embellishment features. It will also drastically change the social fabric of the Sliema Strand, frequented by pedestrians who can walk along the sea, enjoying the unobstructed view of Manoel Island and Valletta in an unbroken walk from St Julian's Bay right into Gzira. The permanent berthing of gi- gantic yachts, which can be over 100 metres long, could block tra- ditional sea views. On Thursday, economy minis- ter Chris Cardona said that Malta should strive to become the "ob- vious choice" in the superyacht industry. He was speaking at the second annual conference for stakeholders, aptly entitled 'Op- portunities for Superyachts', at the Westin Dragonara resort and sponsored in part by Fenech and Fenech Advocates and Trans- port Malta. Cardona said that Malta must continue to evolve in the sector and not risk becoming complacent. The project may include a break- water to render the area a safe harbour all year round, as well as land reclamation opposite St Anne Square. Malta already offers superyacht berths at the Grand Harbour Ma- rina and at the Manoel Island Ma- rina. The Malta Environment and Planning Authority is presently considering a smaller land rec- lamation project proposed by a number of hotels on the Gzira side of the Strand. The project envisions the devel- opment of a swimming pool and other facilities on reclaimed land, adjacent to the present prome- nade, which will remain public. But while presently people can walk along the coast, looking di- rectly at the sea between Gzira and Manoel Island, the proposed area, immediately adjacent to the sea, will be occupied by private facilities. According to MEPA's Environ- ment Protection Directorate, this negative impact can be offset by providing adequate pedestrian ac- cess along the seaward edge of the proposed reclaimed coast. There are an estimated 5,000 superyachts around the world. Eclipse, the world's largest megay- acht and reportedly owned by Rus- sian billionaire Roman Abramovi- ch, is 162 metres long. They bring wealthy owners to picturesque harbour cities, but they can be a source of discontent for residents. Plans for a superyacht marina in Port Vell in Barcelona were met by angry protests by residents, but the marina was ultimately approved by local authorities. The Salamanca Group intends to make the marina home to yachts up to 180 metres long, bringing the planet's grow- ing club of mega-rich to a marina that it says "dominates the heart of Barcelona". But Barceloneta residents say the boats will dwarf the neighbour- hood's famously narrow, four- or five-storey blocks of flats. The plans include the establishment of a privatised high security zone, surrounded by a fence, as well as the construction of a car park and new buildings. jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt The project may include a breakwater to ensure the area is safe all year The permanent berthing of gigantic yachts, which can be over 100 metres long, could block traditional sea views in Tigne Serbian jailed for four years over string of offences DANIEL MIZZI MILAN Milanovic, a 31-year- old Serbian man residing at St Paul's Bay, was yesterday after- noon jailed for four years after pleading guilty to a string of of- fences, among which include theft and forgery. The accused was charged with stealing two Rolex watches in Oc- tober 2013, which theft was ag- gravated by time, person, means and amount. In addition, the 31- year-old admitted to stealing two credit cards and a cheque book from inside a vehicle. Milanovic, who denied legal aid, also pleaded guilty to forging a bank document of which any payment may be obtained, of ob- taining money by false pretences, of making malicious use of false documents and of unlawfully gaining €990 to the detriment of Bank of Valletta. The accused pleaded guilty to the charges. Magistrate Carol Peralta handed the man a four-year- imprisonment term effective as of yesterday, and ordered that he be deported once his prison term ends. Inspector Alexander Millo and Jonathan Ransley prosecuted.