Date: 12/10/2004
Issued On: 12/10/2004

GOVERNMENT TO MOVE AHEAD WITH XEMXIJA YACHT MARINA DEVELOPMENT BRIEF

The Minister for Competitiveness and Communications the Hon. Censu Galea, together with Dr Marc Bonello and Mr Oscar Borg, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Maritime Authority respectively, yesterday met with the Malta Environmental and Planning Authority to discuss the proposed yacht marina project in Xemxija Bay. MEPA was represented by Mr Andrew Calleja, Chairman, Dr. Godwin Cassar, Director General and Mr Christopher Borg, Director for Development Planning.

During the meeting various issues pertinent to the project were discussed before an official application is submitted to MEPA. This was done within the context if a report which had been commissioned by the Planning Authority, which had identified Xemxija Bay as a potential site for the development of a yacht marina in the northern area of Malta.

For this purpose a working group has been set-up between the Malta Maritime Authority and the Malta Environmental and Planning Authority, to enabling coordination on relevant issues and to ensure that the area retrieves the best social and economic benefits from the project.

Following this exercise, the Malta Maritime Authority will be publishing a development brief which will be followed by an official application for development.

This project has been identified by Government due to the high demand for yacht marinas berths, both by locals and foreigners visiting the country, the latter giving an added value to the tourism market. The development of a yacht marina in the northern area, besides being a new attraction for boat and yacht owners, and equipped with modern facilities for their use, will be an additional contribution to the country’s economy. Moreover this development will be also positively affecting an economic and social regeneration within the area.