MIDI consortium at full steam ahead

The Lm140 million Manoel Island Tigné Point development being undertaken by the MIDI consortium is well underway. Tigné Point - due for completion ahead of the Manoel Island portion of the development - is projected to be completed by the first quarter of 2005, MIDI CEO Ben Muscat told The Malta Financial and Business Times in today’s interview.

The Manoel Island Tingé Point project is undoubtedly the largest development underway in Malta and is bringing a new concept in planning to Malta, while simultaneously breathing new life into the relatively derelict yet central areas of the island.

While Tigné Point will provide a mix of residential units, entertainment and leisure facilities, Manoel Island, with a projected completion date of 2010, is more residential in focus, holding some 500 residential units and an exclusive marina.

Both development sites are to be completely pedestrianised and as such, will provide a living environment and planning concept unique to Malta, with parking for residents accessible through underground access routes.

Once completed, Tigné Point will become a ‘new urban centre’, which is unique in that the entire project has been pre-planned and no infrastructure whatsoever is located above ground. Instead, all cabling is to be routed through underground ducts and shafts straight into the apartments.

Mr Muscat explains that Tigné Point will house a large commercial centre which he says will of course compete with outlets in Sliema but will, at the end of the day, greatly enhance the total Sliema offering.

Mr Muscat describes MIDI’s projections for the commercial centre as a major retail and leisure facility holding a retail mall, a large health and leisure facility, squash courts, a nine hall multiplex cinema, and a supermarket.

As Mr Muscat comments, "It’s a large retail and leisure mall, permission for which should be forthcoming by the end of the month. The idea is to create a situation, again unique to Malta, in which you drive in, park and you are where you want to be. There are 1,000 parking spots under the sports and plaza complex for public."

Mr Muscat also identified the potential for substantial office space at Tigne Point – offering self contained amenities, parking and other facilities.