The Heart of Marsa’s New Beat: A Community Reborn
Marsa, a town rich in history and strategic importance, is buzzing with a renewed sense of purpose. A significant regeneration project, spearheaded by the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation (GHRC), is set to breathe new life into the heart of the community. With a substantial €4.5 million investment, this project aims to restore an important community space and dramatically improve the quality of life for residents.
Project Leader: Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation (GHRC)
Permit Number: PA/7916/24
€4.5 M
Total Investment
9,500 sqm
Area of Regeneration
32
New Trees Planted
Key Features & Improvements
A Pedestrian-Friendly Parvis
The church’s parvis will be revitalized into a true community hub. The old balustrades will be removed and the area will be redesigned with new staircases, reminiscent of its original layout. The pavement in front of the church will be extended and repaved, creating a safer and more welcoming pedestrian space. To ensure it remains a space for people, the vehicular access will be restricted to church-authorized vehicles only.
Greener and Safer Roads
Triq is-Salib tal-Marsa and a part of Triq Balbi are set for an upgrade. Repaving of these roads will be complemented by the introduction of a dedicated cycle lane, promoting alternative forms of transport. One of the most exciting environmental features is the planting of 32 new indigenous and Mediterranean trees, including pine, oak, and cypress, which will add a much-needed touch of nature to the urban environment. The project also includes a new street lighting system and CCTV cameras to enhance safety and security.
Honoring History
The project carefully balances new development with historical preservation. A wall along Triq is-Salib tal-Marsa will be restored, and the plan ensures that a key monument honoring the church’s benefactors, Lorenzo and Maria Carmela Balbi, remains in its historic location, a decision that came after valuable input from the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.
Project Timeline
Permit Granted
The project has officially received its permit (PA/7916/24).
Work Commences
Work is scheduled to begin by the end of August.
Project Nearing Completion
The project is not expected to be finalized next year, but will be close to completion.
Fun Facts About Marsa, Malta
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The Name Means “Harbor”:
The name “Marsa” comes from the Arabic word for “anchorage” or “harbor.” This makes a lot of sense, as the town is situated at the innermost part of the Grand Harbour. You can find this same root word in other Maltese coastal towns like Marsaxlokk, Marsascala, and Marsalforn.
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A “City of Culture”:
In 2022, the Maltese government designated Marsa as the island’s first local “City of Culture,” an initiative aimed at revitalizing the town’s image through a series of cultural activities.
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Site of the Great Siege:
During the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, the Ottoman troops chose Marsa as their main camp. The area’s flat landscape and proximity to the harbor made it an ideal, albeit deadly, location for their forces. The area’s natural wells were even allegedly poisoned by the Knights of St. John.
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Birthplace of Modern Maltese History:
In the 17th century, Giovanni Francesco Abela, often called the “father of Maltese written history,” converted his house in Marsa into Malta’s first-ever historical museum. Many of the artifacts he collected are now preserved in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.
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A Sports Hub:
Marsa is home to the Marsa Sports Club, a sprawling complex with a rich history. Established during the British period, it features an 18-hole golf course, a cricket field, tennis courts, and other facilities. The town also hosts the Marsa Race Track, a one-kilometer-long horse racing track that has been in use since 1868.
