Transport Malta applies to build restaurants and offices on the shore of Ta’ Xbiex
Transport Malta wants to develop a section of open public space on the Ta’ Xbiex promenade into offices and a restaurant.
the planswhich the state entity brought before the Planning Authority last December and which is called La Capitanerie, were marked as concerned by the NGO Together for a Better Environment on Saturday.
If approved by the PA, they will see almost 600 square meters of space between the Island Gardens and the marina yacht pier converted into office space with meeting rooms, a shop, a restaurant and a toilet.
The area targeted for development is designated as public open space in local plans for the area.
In February, the Environment and Resources Authority noted that the project may require intervention of projected trees and asked the applicant to provide details and plans regarding trees that will be affected by the development.
The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage told PA that while the building will be visible from Manoel Island, it is outside a buffer zone designated as an area of high landscape value for Port fortifications.
If it wants to be built, said the Superintendence, its roof must be kept as a green roof and be free from any form of service. The cultural watchdog also sought clarification on the types of pontoons to be built, noting that an archaeological evaluation may be required.
The FAA is strongly objecting to the plans, arguing that the area is part of the Island Gardens green lung and part of the City’s Fortifications Area of High Landscape Value. If built, the structure would block views of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, she said.
The approval of the project also creates a dangerous precedent that could lead to more of the shore of Ta’ Xbiex being cut for development, she said.
“Transport Malta, the applicant, should be taking care of the needs of public transport, and not apply for the construction of restaurants for the benefit of the few. There is absolutely no need for more restaurants in the area, as dozens of restaurants line the road from the Island to Tas-Sliema, with two in the garden itself,” she said.
The FAA noted that offices are also available for lease just across the street from the proposed development site.
“This project will reduce the much-used promenade that connects Tas-Sliema with the Island, Ta’ Xbiex and Msida to a narrow passage of 2m, while the traffic in two directions will be turned into a bottleneck of ‘ 3 m. The design eliminates around 70 car spaces, thus exacerbating an already desperate parking situation on the Ta’Xbiex Front where there is a severe lack of parking spaces for residents, mooring holders for two marinas, office staff and clients both in Ta’ Xbiex and on the Island,” he said.
The application had attracted a few objections from the residents since Saturday. In one objection, a resident noted that the decision to build a lido nearby had completely tainted views of Valletta and that this proposed project by Transport Malta continues to cement this trend.
“What is the use of having a High Landscape Area when it is covered by buildings for private enjoyment,” asked one resident in his objection. “If you grant these permits, what will stop you from filling the entire coast of Marsamxett with these monstrosities?”
Transport Malta previously sought to develop a similar project in another nearby area, but dropped those plans a month before starting the planning process for its La Capitanerie plans.
A petrol station is already approved to be built in the garden, with those plans being fought in court and in public by objectors, including the local council of the Island.
The FAA encouraged the local Councils of Ta’ Xbiex and Gzira, as well as the general public, to object to the application.
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