Development Focus: Manoel Island

A True Urban Oasis – MIDI plc acquired the emphyteutical title to the Tigne Point  and Manoel Island sites from the Government of Malta in June 2000

To date MIDI has spearheaded the mixed-use lifestyle development at Tigné Point, best known for its premium seaside location and luxurious apartments. These residences are further complemented by The Point shopping mall, Malta’s largest retail centre and the car free Pjazza complete with The Centre, a business complex overlooking Pjazza Tigné and the open sea.

The extensive restoration of various important heritage sites both on Manoel Island and at Tigné Point is an on-going process and to date MIDI has invested over €12 million. Among the heritage sites restored, Fort Manoel stands majestically and impeccably restored to its former glory. The conservation and restoration work undertaken by MIDI at both Tigné Point and Manoel Island are still considered the largest restoration initiative of local heritage, ever carried out by the private sector in Malta.

MANOEL ISLAND MASTERPLAN
The Masterplan for the restoration and redevelopment of Manoel Island, by the award winning and internationally renowned architects, Foster+Partners, will deliver and create a vibrant, sustainable and luxurious destination and one which will significantly benefit local business, and invest in skills and apprenticeships during the construction phase. The result will be a largely pedestrianised development with over 80,000sqm of public park space around Fort Manoel and low-rise residential units. A number of public squares will connect the streets at ground level, while parking will be located underground for a more sustainable car-free approach. As part of its ongoing commitment to engage with and consider the communities surrounding both Tigné and Gżira, MIDI together with the Gżira Local Council, established the Manoel Island Foundation with the specified purpose of being entrusted with the guardianship of the rights and obligations agreed to between MIDI and the Gżira Local Council as set out in the Guardianship Agreement in order to safeguard the interests of the general public. Toby Blunt, Senior Partner at Foster+Partners commented, ‘Foster+ Partners is proud to be designing the masterplan to redevelop Manoel Island, which proposes to restore and breathe new life into the much loved historical buildings located throughout the island, sensitively integrating them with new buildings to create a destination for locals and visitors to Marsamxett Harbour — a true urban oasis in the heart of the city.’

The key components of the Manoel Island Masterplan are:

Residential
The residential component of the development is concentrated at the western part of the island and will comprise a series of low rise (3 to 4 floors above the substructure) urban blocks providing accommodation ranging from one bedroom courtyard units to unique three bedroom marina front penthouses.

Hospitality
The Lazzaretto, which has been adapted for various uses across the centuries, is envisaged to be restored and converted into a leading five star hotel with the possibility of a Casino.

Commercial
An animated retail offering is sensitively designed around the Island’s open public spaces and pedestrian streets centred around the historical Cattle Shed.

Yacht Marina
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, accommodating circa 180 berths.

Cultural
Fort Manoel is destined to become a centre for Culture and the Arts comprising galleries, museums, shops, restaurants and a Parade Ground for open air events, all with full public access; the Chapel will also be used for community events, weddings and celebrations. This helps to ensure that Fort Manoel will become one of Malta’s most visited attractions.

Car Free
Vehicle parking and circulation will be located below ground, thus creating a largely pedestrianised car-free streetscape.

Public Places
Unique public spaces will be created at street level connecting the pedestrianised streets to a series of open spaces and piazzas for the enjoyment of the general public.

Public Park
MIDI will preserve, improve and deliver more than 80,000sqm of new green/ family park space around Manoel Island, including Fort Manoel and the Island’s foreshore, for the general public to enjoy for the long term.

 

For more information:
Call: +356 2065 5500
Email: [email protected]
Visit: www.midimalta.com

 

 

 

Source: Malta Property Annual 2019/2020
Please click here to download a PDF version of the Malta Property Annual 2019/2020.