The historic area of Malta across Grand Harbour from Valletta will be opened up to tourism within the next three years.
Collectively known as the Three Cities, the towns of Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa boast a fascinating history as the part of Malta first settled by the Knights of St John in 1530. Although they feature on excursions from the resorts of Sliema and St Paul’s Bay, they lack tourist amenities such as hotels, restaurants and shops.
The Cotonera project, due for completion in 2003, is the latest stage in an improvement programme that started in 1992 when the Maritime Museum opened in the former Royal Navy bakery at Vittoriosa.
A small four or five-star boutique-style hotel is planned, probably to be managed by an international chain, along with a casino, health club and restaurants.
Work will start in June on a 300-berth marina which can be extended according to demand.
Another 300-berth marina is proposed for Manoel Island, already one of Malta’s prime yachting centres and home to the 165-year-old Royal Malta Yacht Club.
In Valletta, plans are in hand to rebuild the Opera House, which was destroyed by World War II bombing in 1942. For most of the last half-century, the site has been a car park.
The government also wants to establish a marine aquarium and has earmarked a site at Qawra for the project.