The public consultation related to the flagship Marsa Regeneration project attracted great interest, especially from the Marsa community, but also the private business sector that operates from the areas which will enjoy the once-in-a-generation investment.

For Inġ. Ryan Fava, Chairperson of the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation (GHRC), the entity behind the project, the process provided the community’s approval for the ambitious urban and maritime transformation project.

“We are very pleased with the results of the public consultation, as it is very clear that both the community as well as the commercial stakeholders have welcomed our vision for this part of the Grand Harbour. We were excited to explain our plans for this most ambitious urban regeneration project in recent years. And the community, together with all stakeholders understood how we want to give Marsa back its identity while safeguarding the economic lifeline of the Grand Harbour,” Inġ. Fava explains from the outset.

The response, Inġ. Fava explains, was overwhelmingly positive. “The Marsa Local Council fully endorsed the initiative, while members of the public engaged actively, offering feedback and expressing strong interest in the area’s future. This is a national project, and it was essential to bring people on board from the very beginning.”

Situated in a crucial strategic node-point in Malta’s maritime landscape, the Marsa regeneration project also brought on board all stakeholders involved in the area, both from the private as well as the public sector, to ensure industrial continuity.

“Marsa remains a critical hub for maritime activity, and stakeholders were keen to understand how regeneration plans would impact existing operators. Our intention is not to disrupt anyone’s operations which are crucial for the smooth running of the country.  We want to reorganise all operations in a way that makes sense for everyone. This is an opportunity to plan properly and create space for all.”

Central to this approach is the relocation and consolidation of certain activities from the affected areas. Discussions are underway to cluster fisheries operations beyond the Grand Harbour, while discussions remain on going about the long-term relocation of other crucial operators such as bunker barges and other port services. Inġ. Fava’s experience within the Malta Maritime Forum has provided the direct insight into the needs and concerns of these operators, allowing for a more informed and collaborative approach.

“A key development of this transition is the transformation of Ras Ħanżir, beneath Kordin, into a crucial hub to accommodate significant elements of Marsa’s current port activity. This includes roll-on/roll-off operations, and cargo handling. Importantly, it is envisaged that the necessary infrastructure will be in place before the second phase of the Marsa regeneration project begins, ensuring continuity and operational stability,” Inġ Fava notes.

The regeneration itself is being rolled out in three distinct phases. The first focuses on the former power station site, already decommissioned and now forming the starting point of the transformation. The second phase will address the Menqa area, while the third extends towards the deep-water quay. Together, these stages aim to reshape the entire Marsa waterfront into a cohesive and multifunctional space.

Internationally renowned firm Chapman Taylor, known for major regeneration projects around the world have been engaged to map out the ambitious vision for the project.

“Rather than imposing a predefined concept, we allowed the architects to experience the harbour organically, even taking them around by pilot boat to observe its character firsthand. The result is a design that draws inspiration from Malta’s historic fortifications, reflecting and extending the identity of the Grand Harbour rather than replacing introducing elements that clash with it, or even attempt to replace it!”

Heritage, in fact, lies at the heart of the project. “The area’s historical significance, shaped by Malta’s strategic position over centuries, is being carefully preserved and integrated into the new plans,” Inġ. Fava asserts. “We are driven to retain and repurpose existing structures, including the old Customs House, which is being considered as a potential cultural venue, possibly even an opera house or theatre-style entertainment hub.”

At the same time, the regeneration seeks to introduce a new layer of urban life. “Plans include open public spaces, residential zones, commercial areas and entertainment districts, creating a vibrant destination not only for locals but also for visitors. The emphasis on accessible, open spaces has been particularly well received, reflecting a growing demand for more community-oriented urban environments,” the Chairman expressed.

However, the entire project doesn’t come without its own challenges. “The Bastion Garden area, currently used as a park-and-ride facility, is envisioned as a green public space with underground parking. However, the site’s historical sensitivity requires careful planning, especially when considering excavation works.”

 The long-term vision also includes improved connectivity, potentially linking the area to the wider harbour through innovative transport solutions such as cable systems.

And work on the ground has already begun. Initial site clearance, including the removal of old storage structures, is underway, alongside other preparatory works. Dredging operations within the harbour are also expected to commence, marking a tangible step toward the project’s implementation.

“Beyond infrastructure, we are also looking to attract international investment through a recently launched pre-market consultation. This initiative is designed to engage global operators, and to gather ideas that can further enhance the project’s scope and appeal. The aim is to position Marsa as a destination capable of attracting higher-quality tourism while supporting sustainable economic growth,” Inġ. Fava concludes.