Since its establishment in 2009, the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation (GHRC) has been tasked with the regeneration of the towns and cities surrounding the Grand Harbour. Early projects such as the Valletta Cruise Liner Terminal and the Barrakka Lift improved accessibility and reinforced the harbour’s role as a national gateway. Other massive projects soon followed, such as the embellishment of Dock No. 1 in Cospicua, together with Valetta’s entrance and several others.

Yet Marsa remained largely unaddressed for years, due in part to its strategic importance, providing power through the now closed power station, as well as an industrial hub in the harbour. The concentration of hundreds of commercial interests, mostly revolving around maritime activity, meant that Marsa was seen as a crucial economic centre of national importance, and any project in the area would have to take into consideration multiple elements for it to be a success. 

“The regeneration of Marsa requires more than a simple exercise of urban upgrading. It depends on the careful reorganisation of port operations that have long defined the locality,” Gino Cauchi, CEO of GHRC, explains.

“For many years, commercial maritime activity has been concentrated in Marsa, due to its safe creeks, and proximity to the centre of the island. That is why this project, which will change the face of Marsa, has to start from the reorganisation and relocation of hundreds of different players which call Marsa their commercial home, without disrupting their operation, or the services they crucially provide to the country.”

Given that the transformation must comply with international regulations governing port operations, solutions are being explored both within areas such as Ras Ħanżir in the Grand Harbour as well as Marsaxlokk. Proposals to build a breakwater in the latter are also gaining ground. “It is a very complex process, shaped by regulatory frameworks and operational realities, with interventions being considered in phases and in defined pockets,” Mr Cauchi adds.

The regeneration plan is being treated as a project of national importance, and it is naturally involving an ongoing consultation with interested entities including the Planning Authority, Infrastructure Malta, Transport Malta, the Environment and Resources Authority, the Chamber of Commerce, the Malta Maritime Forum, and several private operators. The aim is to balance existing economic activity with the long-term interests of the country, while addressing an area that has seen limited investment for decades, resulting in a feeling of neglect.

“We want residents to be at the centre of our vision for Marsa. The town has long absorbed the impacts of industrial and port-related activity, and the regeneration seeks to return key spaces to the community, including the Menqa area which is envisaged to be turned into a large open space.”

International Architecture firm Chapman Taylor, who bring with them a rich portfolio of large-scale projects spread across the globe, were given a specific brief by GHRC, placing an emphasis on open green spaces, maintaining the existing iconic Grand Harbour skyline, and preserving the heritage that exists in the area. In fact, the visual language draws generously on the fortifications of the Grand Harbour, with building heights, choice of materials and structural interventions intended to respect the historic context of the area.

But for the project to work, it cannot simply be stunning, it must also function. “Connectivity forms a key part of the plans, including improved vertical access and ramps, ferry links between Marsa, Valletta and the inner harbour, and a continuous promenade extending from the Valletta Cruise Terminal to Church Wharf in Marsa. Open spaces are planned in areas such as the Menqa and around the historic potato sheds, which are Grade A scheduled structures. Furthermore, the former Customs House is earmarked to be turned into a stunning space for the arts,” Mr Cauchi notes.

“The proposal also includes the possibility of creating enough office space that could eventually house all of Government’s offices and services in the former power station area. This would releasing the invaluable palaces in Valletta, which could be put to better use, while creating a one-stop zone gathering all Government departments in one place.” A four-storey hotel is also under consideration to support cruise liner tourism.

Given its gargantuan proportions, the project is planned to unfold in phases over a long-term horizon. While the public consultation and preparatory phase is under way, the implementation is expected to start in two years time.

“The first phase will focus on the area from the potato sheds to the former power station, followed by works related to a marina and sites near the former Sea Malta premises, the deep-water quay and, eventually, the Floriana bastions. The overall programme of works is envisaged to take 15 years for completion and is expected to be financed through a mix of public and private investment.”

Reactions have been extremely encouraging, with locals engaging in a healthy and constructive conversation. Stakeholders are also recognising the significance of the moment, which is seeking to valorise Marsa after decades of neglect and decay.

“This is an exciting turning point for Marsa, with regeneration efforts seeking to preserve the harbour’s economic function while improving the environment for residents and future generations,” Mr Cauchi concludes.