Manoel Island Developers Say Most Of Site Will Be Public Park Once Project Is Complete
Manoel Island developers MIDI said a campaign’s goal to turn the island into a public park is already “largely achieved” by its own masterplan.
Although MIDI’s plan envisages the development of several residences and retail outlets, the developers noted that public open spaces envisaged in the plan amount to 175,000sqm, equivalent to 63% of the concession.
This is over and above the 18% of the site that is occupied by historic buildings such as Fort Manoel, the Lazzaretto, the cattle shed and the Admiralty Canteen.
“Therefore, over 80% of MIDI’s concession will be developed in line with the objective of the campaign, which is calling for Manoel Island to be transformed into a public park,” they said.
“The public open spaces include the 80,000sqm glacis park encircling Fort Manoel and extending to the sea on both the north and east sides of the island. This park will be rehabilitated to provide more accessible spaces for the public to relax and enjoy the surroundings of the lush greenery as well as improved access to popular swimming spots.”
“Additionally, a new 35,000sqm public open space extending from the entrance bridge to the Lazzaretto quay will be developed. This area will include an indigenous garden, a meditation garden and the reconstructed Boville route reconnecting the cattle shed to the quay.”
“MIDI is committed to develop a vibrant project with significant large public open spaces for the enjoyment of the public.”
The developers also dismissed technical concerns that the original deed obliges them to complete the entire project by March 2026.
They noted that the deed includes provisions that allow for an automatic extension to the completion date in case of specific delays.
“The delays encountered are clearly documented and based on these delays, MIDI is confident that there is sufficient time to substantially complete the development within the extended completion date,” they said.
“The delays being encountered are still ongoing due to the requirement to undertake a Heritage Impact Assessment, prior to the determination of the full development application.”