Opinion: Ta’ Xbiex Regeneration Project Is A Step Forward But Needs To Be Reimagined
Environment Minister Miriam Dalli recently announced that the Ta’ Xbiex waterfront is finally set to receive a long-overdue upgrade, with works scheduled to begin in the last week of October. The project will primarily focus on enhancing the promenade and quay area, including the installation of new water and street lighting systems.
One significant change involves reducing the current two-lane road, just beyond the Gżira Gardens to a single lane.
While this is a positive and much-needed step forward, the potential of the area goes far beyond the scope of what has currently been proposed. This upgrade presents a unique opportunity to take a far more holistic and ambitious approach to one of Malta’s most valuable stretches of coastline.
For this project to truly serve its purpose, the redesign must go beyond cosmetic improvements. The integration of a continuous bike lane is essential, not just for Ta’ Xbiex, but as part of a broader, interconnected route that spans from Paceville through St Julian’s, Sliema, Gżira, Ta’ Xbiex, Msida and Valletta.
A consistent and accessible promenade, enriched with safe cycling infrastructure and shaded by an abundance of trees, can transform this coastal route into a healthy, sustainable corridor for both residents and visitors.
More than just a local revamp, this initiative should be viewed as the first step in a long-term vision to create a seamless and pedestrian cyclist-friendly coastal front stretching from Valletta to Paceville.
Such an approach requires coordinated planning beforehand and a master plan that reflects the realities and needs of the modern resident. This includes detailed renders and a phased implementation strategy that considers greenery, open public spaces, and mobility solutions.
Currently under-utilised areas along the promenade must be reimagined, such as parking areas and wide roads. Public spaces need to be reclaimed and repurposed in ways that encourage activity and relaxation, such as what happened in Manoel Island.
Introducing a light rail or tram system along this corridor could also be a game changer, easing traffic congestion and dramatically reducing the dependence on taxis and private vehicles which already plague the area.
Strategically placed tram stops across key zones would offer efficient, eco-friendly alternatives that connect the entire coastline. Even with the eventual implementation of a metro system, the tram could be a shorter-term solution which would have quicker relief on the area’s infrastructure.
Therefore, Minister Dalli should consider this not as a standalone project, but as the beginning of a larger, integrated plan for the entire seafront. Let’s think big, especially with projects like Manoel Island in the near future and make these projects a clear part of the national strategy for the coming years.
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