Project Description
The Marsa Square Regeneration Project is a transformative intervention aimed at revitalising the urban core of Marsa by restoring its historic heart while creating a safer, greener, and more accessible environment for residents and visitors alike.
Spanning a total area of 9,500 square metres, the project is designed to strike a balance between preserving the locality’s cultural identity and modernising its infrastructure to meet today’s environmental, mobility, and accessibility needs. The regeneration project is being carried out through a comprehensive, phased approach, and is the result of extensive consultation with local stakeholders, community representatives, and authorities.
At the centre of the project lies a newly designed church parvis measuring 650 square metres, fronting the Trinity Parish Church – a landmark which will benefit from both aesthetic and functional upgrades, including dedicated architectural lighting. The overall regeneration also involves over 1,000 square metres of vertical interventions, which include structural enhancements and restoration works to existing built fabric.
The project’s key objectives include the beautification of the square, the reduction of traffic congestion within the central zone, and the reintroduction of high-quality public space for the local community. In line with these goals, the space will be reconfigured to feature renovated pedestrian pathways, accessibility ramps, zebra crossings, and a dedicated bicycle lane. These improvements will significantly enhance the safety and mobility of the area, while also ensuring that the space is inclusive and accessible to all.
A new focus on green infrastructure forms a central part of the regeneration vision. The project includes the introduction of 330 square metres of soft landscaping, featuring the planting of 32 new trees. These will include a variety of native and Mediterranean species such as pine, evergreen oak, cypress, Judas tree, oleander, and lentisk, aimed at increasing biodiversity, reducing urban heat, and offering more shade and natural elements within the urban space.
To ensure long-term functionality and sustainability, the regeneration will also address underground infrastructure. This includes the installation of new systems for potable water, stormwater, and wastewater, as well as modern irrigation and telecommunication networks. Improved electrical connections will also be implemented as part of the underground works.
The entire area will be finished using durable and high-quality materials, including porfido, lava stone, hardstone, and marble, selected to provide both a robust surface and a visually pleasing environment that reflects the architectural language of the locality.
A comprehensive lighting strategy is also being introduced, featuring street-level illumination and architectural lighting that highlights key features of the area, especially the church façade. In parallel, a site-wide security system incorporating CCTV cameras will be deployed to ensure safety within the public space, both during the day and at night.
The Marsa Square Regeneration Project is scheduled to commence in August 2025, with completion targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026. With an overall investment of approximately €4.5 million, this project represents a significant milestone in Marsa’s urban renewal and forms part of GHRC’s ongoing commitment to enhance and regenerate Malta’s historic port towns and urban centres.
