Grand Harbour Regeneration by peter.p.barbara

Grand Harbour regeneration

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Minister’s Foreword

Mission and vision 07

01. Area 1

02. Area 2

03. Area 3

04. Area 4

05. Area 5

06. Area 6

07. Area 7

08. Area 8

09. Area 9

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

MINISTER’S FOREWORD DR. IAN BORG

Our maritime sector pivots its success on an amalgamation of quality, reputation and confidence. As they say, a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor and it is true. We always stand by this philosophy. The maritime sector’s present success is the result of years of continuous perseverance, strong will and a hardworking ethic against strong winds of opposition and challenges.

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

One of the agents contributing to this success has always been one of our gems; the Grand Harbour, which hosts a hub of activities

improvements are outlined to ensure a

stronger, more durable coastal defence.

ranging from trade and services to touristic

A crucial aspect which complements this

and essential for Malta’s economic growth.

the belief that to celebrate success, one

activities, all of which are equally important

This is why the Government has embarked

upon its regeneration, not only to conserve its important areas but also to maximise

its contribution to our nation, and to create opportunities for the communities that live around it.

This study of the Grand Harbour Regeneration is based on a three phased scope analysis.

study is our infrastructure. I was always of must continuously strive and have an

unquenchable thirst for knowledge and

improvement. In terms of infrastructure, one needs to look at and cater for the potential and required upgrades to ensure a high

valued and qualitative infrastructure which

directly influences all sectors. Therefore, part of one of the three scopes, addresses the existing breakwater.

Being viewed as one holistic project, this

Ultimately, a unified plan with a holistic

a better contingency plan, a more accurate

a project such as this; the Regeneration

intervention is being carried out to partly have operational optimisation of what is already existing in place and also to seek for any

potential new resources which might have not been sought out in the past.

Yet, there is more to the picture than meets

the eye as this regeneration project will be a

vision comes a long way and I believe for of the Grand Harbour, this approach is a

must, partly because this formula has time and time again deemed successful, and further because of the economic, social

and environmental aspects throughout the several phases of this project.

complement to a greater investment; the €50

I am certain that this ambitious project will

will cut over 90% of the air pollution that cruise

these upgrades we will bring the Grand

million Grand Harbour Clean Air Project which liners and Ro-Ro ships produce when visiting the Grand Harbour.

The first scope of the study focuses on both

the foreshore and the immediate hinterland. The second scope will put one of our budget measures into practice; to reimburse a

total regeneration of a particular area, in

this case, the Marsa ex-power station. The

third and final scope focuses solely on the Grand Harbour’s coastal defences where

take Malta and Gozo to the next level. With Harbour back to the centre of our nation’s social, cultural and economic activities.

Redeveloping this area will not just boost

the local economy, but it will create a better

quality of life for the thousands who live in this area who were left abandoned for decades. In this way, we can look forward to a new prosperity.

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

MISSION & VISION

The Valletta Grand Harbour Regeneration Study has focused on three main areas;

• A Waterfront Strategic Plan for the entirety of the Grand Harbour,

• A Land Use Strategy for the Marsa Ex‑Power Station Area, • A Wave Agitation Study Review.

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

The Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan has the following main objectives;

1. Rationalize the port’s activities and services in order to optimise the ratio of land take to economic return, and ensure

sustainability of historic, natural and marine resources. 2. Propose a land use strategy where port-related and industrial activities occupy less than 50% of the study area.

3. Increase the port’s capacity for passenger transport. 4. Revive the waterfront and historic urban fabrics by creating

two themed promenades “The Grand Harbour Outdoor Museum” connecting St Elmo to Marsa and “TheThree Cities Promenade” between Ricasoli and Senglea.

5. Improve walkability through the beautification of streetscape

and public realm along the proposed promenades and implement recreational and cultural activities (e.g. outdoor museum, F&B, pop- up venue etc.)

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

The Marsa Power Station Land Use Strategy comprises of the following areas;

1. Site Analysis: site plan and pictures, topographic and bathymetric analysis, geotechnical assessment, land use plan, development

controls and building regulations, socio-economic environment, road network plan, wet utilities networks, dry utilities networks. 2. Market Consideration and Best Use Recommendation: brief

overview of the real estate market, local development trends, iconic waterfront developments.

3. Urban Development Framework: opportunities and constraints for development, overarching design principles, land use program and development brief.

4. Development Alternatives: concept master plan option 1, concept master plan option 2, comparative analysis.

5. Development of Preferred Land Use Strategic Option: illustrative

regeneration, plot subdivision and numbering plan, development brief, plot development matrix, land use plan and budget,

building height plan, site cross-sections, roads and traffic, wet utilities networks, power and telecom, massing.

6. Urban Design Guidelines: urban design framework plan, main landscape plan.

The Wave Agitation Study Review has analysed holistically several previously available studies;

Wave agitation within Grand Harbour is a cause for concern for users

of the harbour. Of particular note is wave reflection from the coastline of Sciberras Peninsula affecting areas on the opposite side of the harbour around Bighi and Rinella Bay.

Several previous studies have been carried out to assess wave

agitation within Grand Harbour. These have been analysed holistically and a series of solutions has been provided.

NINE WATERFRONT SEGMENTS

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

01. AREA

CONFERENCE CENTRE FORESHORE, LASCARIS WHARF & BARRIERA WHARF

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

AREA 1

QUAY TYPOLOGY North of il-Ponta ta’ l-Imgerbeb there are few sizeable quay areas.

Seaward of the road, the topology is irregular and steep with rocky

outcrops. Situated on these rocks are sheds and small dwellings. No

visible bollards or modern mooring systems are apparent in this area. The only apparent use of this area is small leisure boats.

Towards the south of Il-Ponta ta’ l-Imgerbeb, Barriera Wharf can

facilitate vessels moored on stern ropes to bollards. The quay area

seaward of the road here is very small in the North (Barriera Wharf)

and south and non-existent in the middle section. This northern quay area consists of a government owned buildings and admin offices

on an area of land that is 3,190 sqm. The quay to the north of Lascaris

Wharf has a total area of approximately 1,400m2, including the 2m thin strip in adjacent to the road.

Approximate Length (m)

Wharf/Sub

Concession

Berthing Type

350

Conference centre foreshore

Transport Malta - no concession

No berths present no structure

100

Lascaris Wharf

Transport Malta - no concession

Alongside

350

Barriera Wharf

Transport Malta - no concession

Stern to bollard

Table 1. Area 1 Quay Lengths & Concessions

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

BATHYMETRY The region close into the shore has depths under 5 metres. Indicating

why stern rope bollard mooring is a preferential option over alongside mooring for the larger ships in Barriera Wharf.

Figure 1. Bathymetric Chart for Area 1

PROS & CONS Pros

• Proximity to Valletta to attract tourists, • No concessions along Barriera Wharf. Cons

• Rocky foreshore north of Il-Ponta ta’ l-Imgerbeb,

• Exposure to unfavourable metocean conditions,

• Limited landward space due to road and steep topography behind.

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

AREA 1

DEVELOPMENT VISION 1. Construction of an additional coastal defence in the form of an underwater berm as proposed in the Wave Agitation Study Review. 2. Adaptive re-use of some of the quay-side buildings on Barriera Wharf.

3. Creation of a recreational suspended deck on the quay-side of Barriera Wharf.

4. Creation of a passenger Ferry Deck. 5. Reconsideration of mooring points for lay-by vessels. 6. The starting point of the Valletta Shore Front tourist trail will be situated at St. Elmo.

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

02. AREA

PINTO, GUN & WINE WHARVES & DEEP WATER QUAY

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

AREA 2 QUAY TYPOLOGY The quay typology in this area consists of mostly the Pinto Wharves

for the Valletta Cruise terminal in the north-eastern half and the Deep Water quay in the south-western half of the area. The cruise berths have berth depths of 7.7m running along the quay wall and >15m metres in the manoeuvring basin to the south-east.

To the immediate South-West of the Valletta cruise berths are the two smaller wharfs (Gun and Wine Wharfs), the quayside here is utilised to load service and support vessels and measures approximately

225m x 31m. The quay of the deep-water berths utilised for general

cargo shipments in the South-West is a large government owned plot of land (G32002) that is 4 hectares including the large warehouses (warehouse 1: 0.32 ha, warehouse 2: 0.62 ha). On the south-western

edge of this large government plot is Ro-Ro quay facilitating a highspeed catamaran ferry to Sicily. Approximate Length (m)

Wharf/Sub

Concession

Berthing Type

190

Pinto Wharf Inner

Valletta Cruise port

Stern to fingers / alongside

700

Pinto Wharf

Valletta Cruise port

Alongside

600

Deep Water Quay

VGT

Alongside

100

Wine Wharf

Valletta Cruise port

Alongside

100

Gun Wharf

Valletta Cruise port

Alongside

Table 2. Area 2 Quay Lengths & Concessions

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

BATHYMETRY In Area 2 depths vary from -16m near the Pinto Wharves to -12m in front of Deep Water Quay. However, the water depth lessens closer to land with a constant -10m depth along the shoreline.

Figure 1. Bathymetric Chart for Area 1

PROS & CONS Pros

• Proximity of cruise berths to Valletta,

• Opportunity to consolidate all cruise terminal berths to avoid spill-over to other quays within the harbour. Cons

• Landward expansion limited due to the steep walls of Floriana behind,

• Lack of continuous quay to allow flexibility in berthing vessels.

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

AREA 2

DEVELOPMENT VISION 1. Pinto wharf extension to cater for larger cruise ships. Possible use of berthing dolphins.

2. Creation of transport node for public transport, taxis and micro mobility.

3. Wine wharf roro ramps to be kept and improved. 4. Deep Water Quay:

a. Deep water quay can be redeveloped as a cruise port extension.

b. Deep water quay ‘sheds’ redeveloped as tourist facilities and

commercial node.

(These may be considered once the area known as Ras Hanżir is developed..)*

5. Dilapidated grain silo to be demolished and redeveloped. 6. Valletta tourist trail continues. 7. Landscaping of car park behind Deepwater quay.

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

03. AREA

CHURCH, FLAGSTONE, BRIDGE, LIGHTERS & THIMBER WHARVES

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

AREA 3 QUAY TYPOLOGY The quay area in Area 3 is comprised of yards and some sheds that are used for fishing, supply, vessel repair and tug operations. There are small sheds that house transfer facilities for these operations throughout and relatively little area for storage of equipment.

A main road runs close to the western edge Timber Wharf, and a

smaller quay road runs landwards of small sheds in the whole area. The quay topology throughout the whole area is relatively low lying. A notable large area in this region is the Government owned area utilised for customs. This is approximately 1.1 ha, with a shed that is 0.4 ha.

Approximate Length (m)

Wharf/Sub

Concession

Berthing Type

600

Church Wharf (main)

Bezzina

Alongside

450

Church Wharf Inner

Cassar

Stern to fingers / Alongside

400

Flagstone Wharf

Transport Malta - no concession, various berthing agreements

Alongside

120

Bridge Wharf Inner

Transport Malta no concession

Alongside

100

Church Wharf Outer

Various

Alongside

Lighters Wharf

Transport Malta - no concession, various berthing agreements

Alongside

Timber Wharf

Transport Malta - no concession, various berthing agreements

Alongside

Table 3. Area 3 Quay Lengths & Concessions

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

BATHYMETRY In this area, the depth in the Menqa basin is the greatest, with depths of >10m on the northern most shore. Along the southern shore of

Menqa basin continuing around to the South West extension basin the depths vary from approximately 6m to the shallowest point of 2.5m in the South-West region that facilitates the drydock barge.

Figure 3. Bathymetric Chart for Area 3

PROS & CONS Pros

• Opportunity for majority of quays to be converted to recreational

use from Timber Wharf through to Church Wharf as part of former power station regeneration,

• No long-term concessions in place. Cons

• Water quality issues,

• Presence of ‘boat cemetery’ and other lay-by vessels,

• High level of attachment of some of the industrial activities to the existing location.

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

AREA 3

DEVELOPMENT VISION 1. Urban Regeneration of the Marsa ex-power station area. As detailed in the study - Land Use Strategy for the Marsa Ex-Power Station Area. 2.. The relocation of important stakeholders from Menqa.. 3. Sea Malta building. Conservation and adaptive reuse. 4. Adaptive reuse of vacant or dilapidated wharf side buildings. 5. Menqa in general is light-industrial/commercial Due consideration will be given to this. 6. Bridge wharf – Potato Sheds, old customs stores and various other structures. Extensive rehabilitation of the structures is necessary. 7. End of Bridge wharf - historic customs building - adaptive re-use. 8. Church wharf - Possible marinas or light industrial use.

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

04. AREA

MMH QUAY AND CIVIL PROTECTION

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

AREA 4

QUAY TYPOLOGY The quay area in this region consists mainly of Mediterranean

Maritime Hub (MMH). This area is concreted and low lying with large ship building sheds to the south of the large drydock (Number 7

dock). The area operated under the Malta Drydocks agreement is 18 Ha (including the drydock itself).

Approximate Length (m)

Wharf/Sub

Concession

Berthing Type

670

MMH Quay

Med. Marine Hub

Alongside

130

Civil Protection

Civil Protection Department

Alongside

Table 4. Area 4 Quay Lengths & Concessions

BATHYMETRY The basin of area 4 has depths of >6m, with a proportion of the MMH quay near the entrance to dock 7 having depths of ~10m. Number 7 dock itself has depths of ~2m.

Figure 4. Bathymetric Chart for Area 4

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

PROS & CONS Pros

• Significant quay frontage, drydock and landside area (Mediterranean Maritime Hub),

• Opportunity for some of this area to be repurposed in the future as part of urban regeneration of Marsa, • Good road connections. Cons

• Long term commitments of the area.

AREA 4

DEVELOPMENT VISION

1. MMH – Possible diversification of operations and thus concession. 2. Maximising maritime and related industrial acitivities for the benefit of the Maltese economy.

05. AREA

Ras Hanżir, Fuel, Coal & Other Wharves

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

AREA 5

QUAY TYPOLOGY This area has almost a continuous hard quay area, apart from the

rocky one just to the south of the Enemed fuelling dolphins. Multiple

concessions operate here and utilise the space for storage of goods and maintenance equipment.

There is also an aggregate transfer facility in the centre of this area. In the North east there is an area of land for car storage and some

container storage facilities. The berths in Area 5 are utilised by larger industrial vessels, much like Areas 4, 3 and 2.

Approximate Length (m)

Wharf/Sub

Concession

Berthing Type

290

Ras Hanzir

VGT

Stern-to

240

Ras Hanzir - Fuel dolphins

Enemalta (T79400)

Alongside

160

Fuel Wharf

Central Cement & Intercement

Alongside

150

Coal Wharf Inner

Bezzina Ship Repair

Alongside

120

Coal Wharf Outer

Melita Marine

Alongside

100

Unnamed

Transport Malta - no concession

Alongside

Unnamed

Transport Malta - no concession

Alongside

Table 5. Area 5 Quay Lengths & Concessions

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

Before & after artistic perspective of the land reclamation between fuel wharf and ras hanzir / lab wharf”.

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

BATHYMETRY Coal wharf inner and outer has consistent depths of >12m. To the north, Fuel Wharf has slightly shallower depths of <10m, also with no gradient towards the quay wall.

To the north east of the area, the bathymetry around the fuelling

pontoons becomes rapidly shallower from ~9m to drying heights.

Figure 5. Bathymetric Chart for Area 5

PROS & CONS Pros

• Consolidated area for commercial port activities,

• Opportunity for significant lengths of linear quay to allow flexibility of berthing vessels. Cons

• Presence of historical buildings on Ras Hanzir,

• Landward space limited by existing buildings and steep hinterland.

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

AREA 5

DEVELOPMENT VISION 1. Land reclamation between Fuel Wharf and Ras Hanzir/Lab Wharf. This will create the first new area in the GH in the last 20 years. 2. This new wharf shall address the need of another cargo roro terminal and an urban freight distribution centre to modernize and make a more efficient transportation system of goods. 3. Fuel wharf: cement silos. Consolidation and improvement of cement bunkering structures. 4. Embellishment of the historic scheduled buildings in the areas. Possible transformation of quay side activities within these buildings. 5. A new connection between Ras Hanzir/Lab Wharf to Coal Wharf via Fuel Wharf replacing the existing street. 6. Massive reorganisation of the area in general. 7. The process by which the new wharf is created may also incorporate two roro ramps thus further improving roro facilities within the GH. Also consolidating cargo to area 5/6 from area 2.

06. AREA

LABORATORY & MAGAZINE WHARVES

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

AREA 6

QUAY TYPOLOGY The quay area of Lab Wharf and Magazine wharf constitutes the only quay section in this area. Towards the western end of the quay, the yard is utilised by containers and in the east this

container storage continues along the thinner section in front of the grain conveyor.

The container terminal operates with a single STS crane and four

RTG cranes. The grain terminal has silos embedded in the cliffs that operate with the conveyor and an associated grain unloader.

Approximate Length (m)

Wharf/Sub

Concession

200

Laboratory Wharf

VGT

230

Magazine Wharf

VGT

Table 6. Area 6 Quay Lengths & Concessions

Berthing Type Alongside Alongside

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

BATHYMETRY The depth remains consistent at approximately 15m and remains this depth towards the quay wall. In the corner of Laboratory Wharf and Ras Hanzir there is some apparent siltation.

The area offshore of this area also has depths comparable to the inshore area.

Figure 6. Bathymetric Chart for Area 6

PROS & CONS Pros

• Consolidated area for commercial port activities,

• Land potentially available for additional vehicle/ trailer storage. Cons

• Limited existing storage for vehicles and trailers.

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

AREA 6

DEVELOPMENT VISION 1. When Area 5 land reclamation and new wharf is ready area 5 plus

area 6 will constitute a major asset and extraordinary facility in terms of all possible operations within the GH.

2. Two parcels of land between Kordin industrial area and lab wharf may be considered for industrial development or storage. 3. Creation of a multi storey car storage facility. 4. Improvement of the main access to Lab Wharf, in-Nizla ta’ Ras Hanzir. 5. Historic buildings will be restored and saved.

07. AREA

EX-MALTA DRYDOCKS AREA

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

AREA 7

QUAY TYPOLOGY The quay topology in this area is exclusively moorings and

facilities for servicing vessels, including offshore jack up rigs. Approximate Length (m)

Wharf/Sub

Concession

110

Factory Wharf

Palumbo Shipyards

500

Dock 5

Palumbo Shipyards

600

Dock 4

Palumbo Shipyards

100

SQW Mill

Palumbo Shipyards

160

Bormla Wharf

Palumbo Shipyards

200

Somerset W

Palumbo Shipyards

450

Dock 3

Palumbo Shipyards

150

Hamilton W

Palumbo Shipyards

350

Dock 2

Palumbo Shipyards

860

China Dock

Palumbo Shipyards

275

Parlatoria

Palumbo Shipyards

275

Canteen

Palumbo Shipyards

250

Boat Cham

Palumbo Shipyards

Table 7. Area 7 Quay Lengths & Concessions

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

BATHYMETRY The water depth in French Creek consists of an average of -10m.

Figure 7. Bathymetric Chart for Area 7

PROS & CONS Pros

• Significant drydocking facilities to serve Malta’s ship repair needs, • Possible adaptivity in collaboration with concessionaire. Cons

• Long term commitments of the area.

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

AREA 7

DEVELOPMENT VISION 1. This area (ex-tarzna) with its multitude of wharfs, heavy industrial

machinery and also historic structures and buildings can be improved greatly.

2. Strengthening the continous cooperation and dialogue with current concessionere for the best use of these facilities.

08. AREA

BOILER WHARF, DOCKYARD CREEK AND KALKARA CREEK

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

AREA 8

QUAY TYPOLOGY Boiler Wharf

Boiler Wharf is used for the berthing of large vessels, including the spill-over berthing for cruise vessels. It has a quay area that can

support the docking of these vessels, with some small storage sheds behind.

Dockyard Creek (Il-Dahla Tad-Dockyard)

The quay topology in this area is dictated by the depth of dockyard creek (Id-Dahla Tad- Dockyard). Due to shallow edges there is

limited berthing available for larger vessels. The largest vessels are

situated on the north-eastern side of the creek with med-moorings. There are marina pontoons further south on the eastern edge. On

the south-western shore of this creek the moorings consist of small boat fore and aft trot moorings. Kalkara Creek

Much like Dockyard Creek, the Western shore of Kalkara creek has small fore and aft trot moorings, whilst the east has pontoons for small to medium size leisure vessels. There is some supporting infrastructure for these marinas on the quayside.

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

Approximate Length (m)

Wharf/Sub

Concession

Berthing Type

800

Dock No.1 & Store Wharf

Transport Malta - no concession

Alongside

480

Inner Senglea Promenade

Port Cottonera

Swing + Med Moorings

440

St Angelo Wharf

Grand Harbour Marina

Med Moorings

400

Dockyard Creek

Transport Malta - no concession

Swing moorings

240

Bakery Wharf

Grand Harbour Marina

Pontoons

200

Vittoriosa Wharf

Grand Harbour Marina

Pontoons

150

Xatt Ir-Risq

Grand Harbour Marina

Pontoons

100

Oil Wharf

Grand Harbour Marina

Med Moorings

Machinery Wharf

Grand Harbour Marina

Med Moorings

350

Boiler Wharf

Transport Malta - no concession

Alongside

125

Outer Senglea Promenade

Transport Malta - no concession

Swing moorings

150

Kalkara Marina

Med Moorings

Table 8. Area 8 Quay Lengths & Concessions

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

BATHYMETRY Dockyard creek

Dockyard Creek has a typical creek bathymetry, deeper in the centre of the channel, with shallower depths on the western shore, and a

shallowing gradient on the eastern shore. The eastern shoreline has greater depths that facilitate mooring of larger vessels. Kalkara Creek

There is a deep basin to the North-East of Fort St. Angelo, which has depths of approximately -20m. In the creek itself the depths are

shallower both sides, with the western shoreline displaying shallower depths, similar to dockyard creek. The shoreline at the South-Eastern extreme of the bay exhibits a gently decreasing depth profile.

Figure 8. Bathymetric Chart for Area 8

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

PROS & CONS Pros

• Opportunity to relocate important operators from Area 3 to Boiler Wharf,

• Limited commercial activities allowing for a consolidated area for marina and recreation use with good public access. Cons

• Unfavourable metocean conditions due to waves reflecting off the foreshore of Area 1.

AREA 8

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

DEVELOPMENT VISION 1. Boiler Wharf is key to this area and perhaps the most viable window to kick start immediate opportunities.

2. The shed structures on Boiler Wharf can be redeveloped and used for various activities. Mainly light industrial or commercial. 3. Kalkara:

• Organise moorings and berthings within Kalkara bay.

The successful proven approach taken in pieta can be considered as main model.

4. Kalkara Marina could possibly be extended. 5. Wied Rinella can be embellished and the concept of a Rinella water park can be started.

6. Cospicua, Senglea & Vittoriosa:

• Organise mooring and berthing. 7. Further landscaping and embellishment of the promenades. 8. Sant Anglu:

• Historic buildings on side facing Bighi. These can be addressed and

possibly utilised. Commercial activity is encouraged.

9. Bighi shore front can also have its access reopened and made accessible again. Replacement of the makeshift passage with a proper passage way.

10. Any development and sustainable activity in this area is heavily

dependent on the underwater berm at St. Elmo due to wave reflection in storm conditions.

09. AREA

FORT RICASOLI

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

AREA 9

QUAY TYPOLOGY The quay consists of the tank cleaning dock that is 130m long. There are historic walls behind this that continue around the Ricasoli headland. The tank cleaning facility is located onshore. Approximate Length (m)

Wharf/Sub

Concession

130

Waste Oil Facility Jetty

Falzon Group

Table 9. Area 9 Quay Lengths & Concessions

Berthing Type Alongside

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

BATHYMETRY Due to the location near to the channel, there is a steep gradient just offshore of the Ricasoli headland. The seabed geology is likely to be similar to the Rocky Cliffs.

Figure 9. Bathymetric Chart for Area 9

PROS & CONS Pros

• Huge potential for rehabilitation of the historic Fort Ricasoli. Cons

• Heavy Industrial structures in the area.

URBAN REGENERATION FOR VALLETTA GRAND HARBOUR, MALTA Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront Strategic Plan

AREA 9

DEVELOPMENT VISION 1. Fort Ricasoli will be rehabilitated and saved. 2. The huge structure can be handled possibly as separate minor concessions under the management of one central foundation. 3. The base of all change shall be the removal of the waste oil cleaning facility. 4. There is endless opportunity here. Commercial venues. Artistic platforms. Artisanal mall. 5. The film industry will also be included. 6. The area under the inner bastions of fort Ricasoli commonly known as “il-lido” can be redeveloped in a commercial activity with a historic touch. Also including a berthing facility. 7. The massive area within Ricasoli currently occupied by Falzon’s storage cisterns is in itself so huge that its limitless. A green park can be created.

Grand Harbour regeneration