Wied iz-Zurrieq upgrade SUGGESTION

Wied iz-Zurrieq Upgrading Project

Upgrading of Parking, traffic management, diving access and public facilities

1.                Issues identified:

• Lack of parking / kitting up space close to shoreline for Scuba Divers and swimmers in general

• Heavy traffic in touristic area frequented by locals and tourists alike

• Area in need of general upgrade.

• Buses get stuck due to lack of space to turn in the narrow streets further down in the valley & the presence of private car parking.

2.                Opportunities:

• Improvement of facilities for Scuba divers and swimmers

• Improvement in traffic management, air quality and general area

• Improvement in facilities for general public

• Long-term income from improved business activities, parking fees and rental of facilities created.

3.                Proposed project

• Refer to drawing whilst reading explanation project points below:

• Dig down the Top parking area, create two or three levels  of public parking  underground, top level being reserved only for electric / conventional buses/coaches  on shuttle service from top of road to  Triq il-Wied, and part of it may be turned into a garden / viewpoint / open restaurant, possibly linking to historic tower

• Link current road from top parking to lower parking  via  tunnel running from the lowest underground level to the Divers' / Swimmers parking area as explained in next point.

• Dig down one underground parking (ensure at least 2m above sea level) and facilities level below current open area/garden/public bathrooms, to be used into a Divers' and swimmer's zone during peak season, shifting seaward infrastructure underground and apart from Tower, having a clear line of sight toward the sea.  Seaward cliff must not be touched but possibly need to be re-enforced if damaged during the forming of the underground parking. 

• Divers' zone having  dedicated vehicle parking spots, kitting up benches, underground showers / changing rooms, emergency clinic, maybe a dive centre or filling station. Provide light and air by having air/light shafts in current garden (re-landscaped to return to a more natural rather than concrete look) & using natural light diffusers.

• Create Pedestrian / Emergency vehicle tunnel to sea level exiting in area at bottom of current stairs - 2 or 3 m higher than sea level, facing north to north west to reduce chance of waves rushing in when bad weather,  and assisting for air circulation and light in underground parking.

• Link Divers' Parking Zone to Boat maintenance/slipway area under current lower bit of the road. This would connect divers parking area to the boat's slipway at the bend, benefitting both special need divers to use the bottom part of slipway for water entry, swimmers and boat operators for improved access. The lower part of the road  (just before stairs) could also be turned into underground boat storage closer to sea level, meaning less effort for storing boats out of the water & more space. Repristinate natural valley side look instead of current tarmac.

• Having increased logistical space, maybe finally consider a second wreck to the left when exiting the valley, sitting on 35 m sandy area, or a new artistic artificial reef using reef balls / sculptures that can withstand the elements in the area.

4.                Benefits

•  Shift diving tourists’ traffic from Cirkewwa and create more diving opportunities in the south, which is an alternative in NW to East winds;

• Improved traffic management in whole area of WIZ;

• Improved dive site availability + facilities;

• Increased accessibility for special needs scuba divers and non-divers;

• Additional visitors’ traffic for Bars & Restaurants in the area as well as pleasure boat rides;

• Addition of a second wreck / artificial reef  further improving choices & creating a new artificial reef, which if well protected, can attract and regenerate marine life. Other opportunities to create underwater museum or art gallery, creating new and diversified attractions are possible. Protecting the area however is needed!

• Possibility of boat transport services to land-inaccessible Western shore sites from quays at WIZ using defined channels to reduce risks of swimmers/boats collisions.

5.      Cost and Funding

Whole project estimated cost (layman estimate) -  €20 Million, returned over several years thanks to: 

• Parking Fees for use of underground parking, which can be based on annual memberships for frequent visitors / dive centres / restaurant patrons or time-based for occasional users.

• Dive centre space / facilities leasing fees

• Use of showers / changing room fees,

• If current public toilets are moved underground a kiosk/restaurant with outdoor seating by the sea on the open terrace may be considered, using a part of open terrace with sea views on Filfla

• Elimination of road traffic access beyond top parking  and underground parkings improves possibility for pedestrianisation of roads in WIZ area and additional restaurant outdoor seating and regeneration of buildings, creating a family outdoor eating area for summer / nice weather periods, bringing in additional tax and table space rental revenue.