Manoel Island Is Getting A Major Glow-Up: Here’s What’s Coming
At the heart of Malta’s urban landscape, Manoel Island stands as a historic landmark rich in heritage. MIDI is committed to preserving this legacy by transforming the island into a unique destination, enriched with expansive, though designed public spaces alongside a seamless blend of residential, retail, and mixed-use developments. This vision will create a dynamic and vibrant environment for both residents and visitors to enjoy.
MIDI’s plans for Manoel Island prioritise preservation, sustainability, and public well-being. 175,000sqm of public open space equivalent to more than 60% of MIDI’s concession.
Improved accessibility
With improved access to popular swimming spots, new pathways will lead visitors safely to the crystal-clear waters, ensuring everyone can enjoy the shoreline with ease.
In addition to enhanced pedestrian access to the foreshore, the public will have the opportunity to explore 175,000 square meters of open spaces, including the expansive Glacis Park, which surrounds the iconic Fort Manoel.
Spanning 80,000 square meters, the Manoel Island Glacis Park is the ideal destination for a relaxing escape or a peaceful retreat. Shaded walkways will provide a tranquil shelter, offering a serene space to unwind. More than just a park, the Glacis will be a vibrant space for everyone to enjoy.
Ample picnic spots will create the perfect setting for family gatherings, friendly meetups, or quiet afternoons in nature. Manoel Island Glacis Park will be a welcoming destination for all, offering expansive open spaces and seamless accessibility for all.
The investigative digs have revealed archaeological sites that paved the way for a new 35,000sqm public open space extending from the entrance of the island to the Marina.
Of this, 10,000sqm will be transformed into a public garden featuring indigenous trees, while the remaining area will include a meditation garden and public plazas connecting to the marina promenade and Boville route.
At the island’s heart is its oldest building, the iconic Cattle Shed or Boville, which historically quarantined livestock.
While much of the fabric of the original isolation pens and walls has been lost to time, and nothing remains of the dedicated walled route that connected the building to the docks and waterfront, the master plan seeks to restore both to their former glory.
The unique Cattle Shed is to be sensitively reconstructed and its neighbouring Boville route reinstated, to create a haven where people can meet friends and unwind.
The careful integration, conservation and adaptive use of Manoel Island’s heritage assets is central to the design philosophy.
The prominent Lazzare will be restored for mixed use and hospitality purposes, while significant works on the magnificent Fort Manoel will continue its transformation into a cultural and arts hub, ensuring a fine future for this important Fort.
Sports facilities
175,000sqm of public open space equivalent to more than 60% of MIDI's concession.
While the revised Masterplan ensures that the public has full access to Manoel Island and the surrounding foreshore all year round, it also includes sports facilities for the benefit of the Gzira community.
These will include a full-sized football pitch for use by Gżira United Football Club, a Boċċi Club, and a variety of additional sports and leisure amenities.
Furthermore, the existing slipway will be upgraded for the benefit of the local fishing and boating community.
Sustainability is the cornerstone of the revised masterplan
Sustainability remains a cornerstone of Manoel Island’s masterplan. In a move from the original plan that contemplated 14,000sqm in land reclamation, the revised masterplan does not include any land reclamation, reducing the impact on both the Gzira community and the marine environment. The island’s sustainability strategy also includes extensive water conservation resources, such as rainwater harvesting and the collection and treatment of grey water for irrigation.
The new buildings proposed in the Masterplan will be designed to conserve energy through the best use of daylight and efficient materials. Manoel Island’s carbon footprint will be further reduced through the creation of a largely pedestrianised car-free landscape.
A floating breakwater instead of the originally planned solid structure will likewise mitigate its environmental impact, while still enabling Manoel Island to operate as a world-class yacht marina.
Location of residential units ensure that the archaeological remains are preserved.
Meanwhile, the residential units are located in two specific areas to ensure that the heritage value of the archaeological remains and historical buildings are preserved. The maximum height of the development will not exceed the height of Fort Manoel.
Following decades of neglect, Manoel Island is now set to offer a tranquil escape from the busy urban lifestyle found today in the locality. At last, this important piece of local culture can be reinstated, so that future generations may experience Manoel Island as a unique destination that merges heritage, residences and open spaces, set against the stunning backdrop of the baroque city of Valle<a.
More information about the new MIDI Manoel Island Masterplan can be found at www.manoelisland.com.mt.
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