Government launches public consultation on long-term regeneration plan for the Grand Harbour, outlining a four-phase project aimed at redeveloping key waterfront and former industrial sites
Government on Thursday launched a public consultation on a long-term regeneration plan for the Grand Harbour, outlining a four-phase project aimed at redeveloping key waterfront and former industrial sites.
The consultation opens immediately and will be followed by engagement with the private sector, beginning with a pre-market consultation focused on the first phase of the project.
Speaking at the launch, Prime Minister Robert Abela said the regeneration plan seeks to redevelop areas around the Grand Harbour into a mixed-use zone of international standard, while retaining and highlighting Malta’s maritime heritage.
He described the project as large-scale and said it forms part of the government’s broader development vision.
The regeneration is structured in four phases. The first phase targets the Marsa waterfront and the site of the former Marsa power station, which has been closed in recent years. This area is planned to be transformed into a mixed-use development incorporating cultural, recreational and service-oriented spaces.
The government said the aim of the first phase is to open the harbour to the public, with a focus on modern, sustainable development. The masterplan for this phase was prepared by international architecture firm Chapman Taylor.
Following the conclusion of the six-week public consultation, the government will launch a pre-market consultation to assess private sector interest in delivering the first phase of the project, specifically the former Marsa power station site.
Abela said the Grand Harbour has historically been central to Malta’s economy and that the regeneration is intended to shift parts of the area from heavy industrial use to public and mixed-use development.
He linked the project to other initiatives undertaken around the harbour in recent years, including the introduction of shore-to-ship electricity, which the government says has reduced emissions from berthed vessels and improved air quality for nearby residents.
He also referred to the free maritime transport service operating between Marsamxett Harbour and the Grand Harbour, which the government says has carried around 1.5 million passengers in under a year, with nearly half travelling between Valletta and the Three Cities.
Abela also pointed to the closure of the Marsa power station as a key step in addressing long-standing environmental impacts in the area.
The prime minister said the regeneration plan is aligned with the Malta 2050 vision and is intended to attract what he described as “quality investment” rather than large-scale expansion. He said the government’s approach prioritises sustainability, efficiency and long-term value.
He cited other projects as examples of this approach, including low- and zero-carbon school developments, infrastructure works in Imdina and Imsida, and planned environmental projects that would return land to public use at Manoel Island, White Rocks and Fort Campbell.
Abela said the regeneration would not alter the fundamental character of the Grand Harbour and that surrounding localities, particularly Marsa, would benefit directly from the project.
Environment Minister Miriam Dalli said the regeneration plan must balance respect for the harbour’s history with future-oriented investment.
She said the public consultation process would be open and inclusive, acknowledging that large-scale change raises concerns but arguing that the area has significant untapped potential.
“The plans for this area need to allow for more than what exists today,” Dalli said, adding that feedback from the consultation would inform the next stages of the project.
The public consultation will run for six weeks, after which the government will proceed with the pre-market consultation for the first phase of development at Marsa.
Government on Thursday launched a public consultation on a long-term regeneration plan for the Grand Harbour, outlining a four-phase project aimed at redeveloping key waterfront and former industrial sites.
The consultation opens immediately and will be followed by engagement with the private sector, beginning with a pre-market consultation focused on the first phase of the project.
Speaking at the launch, Prime Minister Robert Abela said the regeneration plan seeks to redevelop areas around the Grand Harbour into a mixed-use zone of international standard, while retaining and highlighting Malta’s maritime heritage.
He described the project as large-scale and said it forms part of the government’s broader development vision.
The regeneration is structured in four phases. The first phase targets the Marsa waterfront and the site of the former Marsa power station, which has been closed in recent years. This area is planned to be transformed into a mixed-use development incorporating cultural, recreational and service-oriented spaces.
The government said the aim of the first phase is to open the harbour to the public, with a focus on modern, sustainable development. The masterplan for this phase was prepared by international architecture firm Chapman Taylor.
Following the conclusion of the six-week public consultation, the government will launch a pre-market consultation to assess private sector interest in delivering the first phase of the project, specifically the former Marsa power station site.
Abela said the Grand Harbour has historically been central to Malta’s economy and that the regeneration is intended to shift parts of the area from heavy industrial use to public and mixed-use development.
He linked the project to other initiatives undertaken around the harbour in recent years, including the introduction of shore-to-ship electricity, which the government says has reduced emissions from berthed vessels and improved air quality for nearby residents.
He also referred to the free maritime transport service operating between Marsamxett Harbour and the Grand Harbour, which the government says has carried around 1.5 million passengers in under a year, with nearly half travelling between Valletta and the Three Cities.
Abela also pointed to the closure of the Marsa power station as a key step in addressing long-standing environmental impacts in the area.
The prime minister said the regeneration plan is aligned with the Malta 2050 vision and is intended to attract what he described as “quality investment” rather than large-scale expansion. He said the government’s approach prioritises sustainability, efficiency and long-term value.
He cited other projects as examples of this approach, including low- and zero-carbon school developments, infrastructure works in Imdina and Imsida, and planned environmental projects that would return land to public use at Manoel Island, White Rocks and Fort Campbell.
Abela said the regeneration would not alter the fundamental character of the Grand Harbour and that surrounding localities, particularly Marsa, would benefit directly from the project.
Environment Minister Miriam Dalli said the regeneration plan must balance respect for the harbour’s history with future-oriented investment.
She said the public consultation process would be open and inclusive, acknowledging that large-scale change raises concerns but arguing that the area has significant untapped potential.
“The plans for this area need to allow for more than what exists today,” Dalli said, adding that feedback from the consultation would inform the next stages of the project.
The public consultation will run for six weeks, after which the government will proceed with the pre-market consultation for the first phase of development at Marsa.