Launch of HSBC Premiere Valletta Boat Show
– a resounding success

Network Publications in collaboration with HSBC Premiere this week launched the Valletta Boat Show which will be taking place between the 24th and 27th September at the historic Dock Nr 1 in Cospicua.

The dock which has lain abandoned for decades will finally see a new lease of life when for a few days it will be transformed into a state of the art yacht marina with some of the best names in the business on offer. The show is aiming to improve on the resounding success it had last year when it rejuvenated another derelict area which was the Menqa in Marsa but this year’s location promises to be even more stunning.

Speaking during the launch, Network Publications managing Director John Formosa said that he was thrilled that the boat show would be taking place in Dock Nr 1 which is the ideal backdrop for the comprehensive list of exhibitors on offer. He said that this was a historic opportunity for the eventual regeneration of the area which will be transformed for the duration of the show.

Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Communications Austin Gatt also addressed the press where he immediately revealed that the government had dropped talks with the Romegas Consortium for the development of the dock as certain obligations on their part had not been met. He indicated that his ministry would now be taking over the regeneration of the area and plans would be presented for public consultation sometime in October.

Minister Gatt said that such activities would definitely assist in creating opportunities to make this area one of the prime maritime locations in Malta which would also serve as a magnet for investment and high quality tourism opportunities.

The launch was attended by several stakeholders in the area such as the CEO of the Grand Harbour Regeneration Project Chris Paris, Cospicua and Senglea mayors Joe Scerri and Joe Casha as well as a delegation from the Cospicua council.

by Gerald Fenech