A video showcasing the Manoel Island Masterplan has been unveiled as part of a new website specifically dedicated to the project.

This follow MIDI’s submission of what they’re calling a “revised Masterplan for the restoration and redevelopment of Manoel Island”. The proposal includes an 80,000 square metre “green / family park space” around the island, including Fort Manoel and the island’s foreshore “for the general public to enjoy for the long term”.

The proposed plans, which have been submitted to the Planning Authority and to the Environmental and Resources Authority, stipulate a number of other provisions.

The restoration of The Lazzaretto will see the construction of a Five Star Hotel with serviced apartments and a residential component on the western part of the island made up of a series of low rise urban blocks (all around three to four floors high).

“The South shore yacht marina will be significantly upgraded to a world class yacht marina catering for a mix of small scale and large yachts,” the Masterplan provides, along with underground vehicle parking and circulation creating “a largely pedestrianised car-free streetscape”. 

The website also contains renders of various aspects of the Masterplan, from the residential area to the public spaces.

Photos from manoelisland.com.mt

Architectural firm Foster + Partners, who are working with MIDI on the Manoel Island Masterplan, said it “significantly amended in response to valuable feedback received from the broader community, the Gżira Local Council and the NGOs”.

“MIDI is sensitive to the views of the local and wider communities and will continue to work closely and transparently with all stakeholders,” today’s press release read. “MIDI will continue to regularly listen, engage and provide updates throughout the project, ensuring the delivery of significant benefits to the community for the long term.”

The proposed works include €50 million in the restoration of historical buildings, and an estimated investment which MIDI is expecting to be worth more than €400 million.

Earlier this year, the original development plans for Manoel Island were met with national outrage. A couple of days later, a petition asking Prime Minister Joseph Muscat to turn the small island in Gżira into “Malta’s Central Park” went viral online.

UPDATE: MIDI Chairman Alec Mizzi has made this announcement following the Masterplan’s submission: 

“I am pleased that MIDI has submitted its proposed Masterplan, which, in line with its role of responsible developer, ensures the right balance between its obligations under the Deed of Emphyteusis granted by the Government of Malta to develop part of Manoel Island, with its obligations under the same Deed to restore and preserve the heritage buildings on Manoel Island and significant green park space, creating an environment for both the whole community and residents to enjoy and one that we can all be proud of. Indeed, this Masterplan goes well beyond what is prescribed by the Deed, in line with increased sensitivities over the years, and pusuant to discussions with the Gzira Local Council and environmental NGOs.

 We look forward to continuing to engage with the local and wider communities, working in partnership to deliver a wonderful high quality residential development set in one of our most important and beautiful public spaces that will be carefully restored and enhanced.”

What do you make of the revised Masterplan for Manoel Island?
Let us know in the comments below.

David Grech Urpani

Lovin Malta's Head of Content, Dave has been in journalism for the better half of the last decade. Prefers Instagram, but has been known to doomscroll on TikTok. Loves chicken, women's clothes and Kanye West (most of the time).