Encouraging response to the connections project

In order to promote the regeneration of Valletta and Cottonera and support other projects, the Government recognises the need of establishing vertical and horizontal links between the central parts of Valletta and its waterfronts and between these waterfronts and the other sides of the ports of Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour

For this reason a Valletta Project Steering Committee has been set up to generate proposals and ideas for this project. Chaired by an official from the Ministry of Tourism and the Self-Employed, it includes representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Transport and Ports, the National Tourism Organisation of Malta, the Planning Authority, the Lands Department and the Valletta Rehabilitation Committee.

The Steering Committee of the Connections Valletta Project is pleased to note that the registration of interest and submissions of conceptual proposals was encouraging, with 10 eligible submissions.

The Steering Committee launched the Project Statement in March 1998. It envisages the provision of seaborne transport between Sliema, Valletta and the Cottonera, the provision of panoramic elevators or other means of vertical transportation between central Valletta and its waterfronts and to ease traffic congestion within the Valletta peninsula.

The Steering Committee is now in the process of shortlisting developers and is currently assessing proposals. The committee will be submitting a Development Brief of the project to the shortlisted developers at the beginning of July 1998.