PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND PUBLIC CLEANLINESS The regeneration of Marsa progressing at a good pace

Regeneration works in Marsa Square are advancing at a good pace, as part of a broader vision for the development of the Grand Harbour, with particular attention on the locality of Marsa.

During a site visit, Minister for the Environment and Energy Dr Miriam Dalli said that this project is directly linked to the Grand Harbour regeneration plan announced last week.

Representatives from the Marsa Local Council were also present for the visit, including Mayor Luke Farrugia, as well as the team from the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation (GHRC).

“This project in Marsa Square is connected to what we announced last week when we presented our plan for the regeneration of the Grand Harbour, with particular focus on the Marsa area,” said Minister Dalli. She added that “this regeneration builds on this project and on many other projects carried out in the Grand Harbour, so that through one project after another we continue to breathe new life into these localities.” The Minister stressed that “we want this square to once again be a place for the community, where the people of Marsa can come together and where there is activity at the heart of their locality.”

GHRC Chief Executive Officer GHRC Gino Cauchi explained in detail the work being carried out in the centre of Marsa. “Here we are seeing the regeneration of Marsa’s centre, starting from near the roundabout at the end of Triq is-Salib and continuing up to in front of the church. The project is divided into three phases. The first phase, which is currently underway, consists of the wall along this road, which has not only been repaired but is also being clad in limestone to restore the original appearance of the road as it was when first built.”

Mr Cauchi added that in front of this wall, a number of trees and shrubs will be planted, together with pedestrian pathways, to increase greenery in an area of Marsa that until now lacked this element. Regarding the second phase, he explained that this is a major phase consisting of the full regeneration of the parvis in front of the church, which will regain its original form, with the entire front area becoming a “pedestrian priority” zone, including the resurfacing of the road and of Triq Balbi up to Triq il-Pont. In the third phase, works will be carried out in Triq is-Salib, which will be completely rebuilt together with all services.