Originally, the PA granted an outline permit for the entire MIDI project in Tigné and Manoel Island in 1999, envisioning a development on a much larger scale. However, a reduced-scale masterplan received approval in 2021.

Despite this, the project’s layout has undergone further changes due to archaeological findings, mainly related to old cemeteries.

“The masterplan for Manoel Island contemplates significant open spaces including an 80,000 sqm Fort Manoel glacis public park. Furthermore, the revised masterplan includes a new public open area measuring 35,000 sqm spanning from the entrance of the Island to the Lazzaretto including a 10,000 sqm indigenous garden,” MIDI told Lovin Malta in light of the controversy. 

“To ensure a largely pedestrianised car-free streetscape, vehicular access will be limited. Apart from the main throughways, cars will be directed to underground public and private car parking facilities.”

The latest plans have increased private open spaces seemingly at the expense of public ones. Public open spaces are being reduced by 5,000 square metres while private ones are increasing in a newly created gated community by 12,500 square metres.

The plans have further excluded development on archaelogically-sensitive areas but they include a considerable 10,125sq.m increase in gross floor area of apartments when compared to the masterplan.

Yet, the development is not going higher. The growth of residential space is being achieved by reducing the floor area of shops and restaurants to 4,600 square metres not by increasing approved heights.

The development will consist of three residential clusters making up a total of 323 residential units (reduced from 499 units as approved in the original masterplan)

Do you think that Malta is missing out on a golden opportunity?