Midi Manoel Island Master Plan Clarification
MIDI has responded to the campaign Post Għalina pushing for Manoel Island to be turned into a national park, saying the claim that their concession could be terminated is “false and misleading”.
The company has defended its position by outlining the current development timeline, revised plans and public space commitments.
The developer stated that delays to the project were justified and permitted under the original agreement, particularly due to archaeological discoveries, planning appeals, and the requirement for a Heritage Impact Assessment which is currently underway.
MIDI explained that major archaeological finds required a complete redesign of the original masterplan. The revised version was approved by the Planning Authority in September 2021, with an appeal by FAA ultimately rejected by the Court of Appeal in May 2023, making the plan final and not subject to further appeal.
In March 2024, following the inclusion of Manoel Island in Valletta’s UNESCO buffer zone, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and the National World Heritage Technical Committee requested a full HIA. This was drawn up by an internationally recognised consultant in accordance with UNESCO guidelines.
MIDI noted that its full development application will only be considered once this process is complete.
The approved 2023 Masterplan significantly reduces the project’s footprint compared to original plans:
- Gross floor area has dropped from 135,000sqm to 95,000sqm
- New buildings will cover less than 8 percent of the total concession
- Public open space has increased to 175,000sqm, or over 60 percent of the site
Key features of the open space include an 80,000sqm Glacis Park around Fort Manoel and a 35,000sqm landscaped area stretching from the entrance of the island to the Lazzaretto quay. This space will feature an indigenous garden, a meditation area, and a plaza centred around restored heritage buildings like the Customs House and the Cattle Shed.
MIDI also committed to delivering community facilities including:
- A full-size football pitch for Gżira United FC
- A Bocci Club
- An upgraded slipway for fishing and boating enthusiasts
To ensure public interests are safeguarded, the Manoel Island Foundation was set up in collaboration with the Gżira Local Council. This body monitors issues such as public access to the foreshore, the preservation of heritage buildings, and the availability of public spaces.
According to MIDI, these efforts are already having an impact, with over 240,000 visitors recorded on the island in 2024, many coming for walks, swimming, or access to the shoreline.
In its closing remarks, the developer said the campaign ignores the scale of its public commitment:
“The development of Manoel Island will create accessible public open spaces totalling 175,000sqm, which are to be developed at MIDI’s sole cost. These public open spaces, equivalent to more than 60 percent of MIDI’s concession, together with access to the swimming areas along the foreshore, will ensure that Manoel Island will truly be a destination for the enjoyment of the general public.”