Planning Authority greenlights carnival village

The Planning Authority approved planning permission for the construction a carnival village in Marsa, aimed at addressing the needs of carnival enthusiasts as well as being a tourist attraction.

According to a statement issued by the PA, the development will include building two auxiliary buildings facing the entranceway, 18 large and eight small interactive workshops, a parking area, a parade ground including an outdoor theatre, a museum and a souvenir shop, an audiovisual centre, a dance rehearsal studio, a cafeteria and offices.

Going by the name “the Malta Carnival Experience,” it will be sited within an industrial area of Albert Town, over an area of approximately 18,500m2.

This location currently houses the government’s garage which provides specific manufacturing and service functions to all areas of the government.

The carnival village will be sited within an industrial area of Albert Town in Marsa

“The Malta Carnival Experience will not only serve to address the needs of carnival enthusiasts, especially those who specialise in the creation of floats, but will also become a tourist attraction whereby visitors can appreciate for themselves the technics and artistic works that goes into this annual festival,” the PA said.

The PA has also approved an extensive embellishment project for the square at the entrance of Valletta.

According to the authority, the project will include the pedestrianisation of the whole square. The entire area will be paved in local saw-cut finish hardstone, which is a continuation of the paving works carried out within the City Gate project.

As part of the formalisation of services currently operating within the area, the number of kiosks within the square will be cut to 10, which will have to conform to a design which will approved at a later date, the PA said.

The project will include the pedestrianisation of the whole square, with the Triton fountain being restored

The embellishment project will also include the planting of a number of oak trees within the square.

The PA also said that the Triton fountain shall be restored, and two new roads will be created.

Furthermore, the Planning Board approved planning permission for internal and external alterations to be carried out on the landmark Grade 1 building, which for many years was hosted the Valletta market.

“The works will include the formation of two internal levels within the existing restored volume which will be used to develop retail and catering facilities. On the first floor level a platform is to be constructed intended to serve as an outdoor dining area,” the PA said.

Following planning permission granted last year, the restoration works have already been completed, making way for the building to be used for commercial activities, it added.