Updated below on 09/04/2026 with divinginfo.mt’s representation to PA.
Original post published on 24/03/2026
In an unsurprising report recommendation, the application for development of lower Wied iż-Żurrieq as we highlighted in previous posts and articles has been recommened for approval by the Planning Authority’s case officer.
You may view the report below. The case will also be heard in front of the PA’s Development Commission on the 15 April. Written submissions may be made until 10 April 2026.
Whilst there is mention in the application of divers’ facilities, from the submitted plans there is no indication of any facilities being added for divers. The parking space currently used by divers will be raised further (by approx 20 steps) and maybe widened slightly
No certainty is also present on the use of the rooftop of the proposed construction as a viewpoint as currently in place. Future designs submitted and photomontages are contradictory.
Representation to PA sent on 9 April 2026
On 9 April 2026 as divinginfo.mt we have sent the following representations to be considered in the PA Sitting next Wednesday 15 April 2026 (scheduled from 10:00 onwards).
Dear PA,
The proposal states: Refurbishment works at the quay of Wied iz-Zurrieq and surrounding areas. Redevelopment of ticket booth for Blue Grotto operators. Construction of public toilets and boatyard for local fishermen. Development of parking area and kitting area for scuba divers. Site at Wied Iz-Zurrieq, Triq Congreve, Qrendi
Wied iz-Zurrieq is a key diving site in the South-West of Malta which together with Għar Lapsi form an essential part of the Maltese Diving Tourism Product. Thousands of visiting divers enjoy this location, exploring both the nearby Um-el-Faroud wreck and the area’s reefs.
Tourists and locals who enjoy swimming in the area also visit the site daily.
I wish to note that although the project proposal states a kitting area is being developed, it does not specify what this area will consist of.
The drawings and photomontages submitted do not indicate any facilities for divers such as kitting up tables or benches.
Furthermore, whilst public toilets are indicated to be part of the development, their availability to divers and/or swimmers does not seem to be part of the project.
As per the SPED Policies quoted in the case officer report, the local plan includes a provision for:
“f) The provision of underground changing facilities for divers, the provision/enhancement of a coastal footpath.”
This is not reflected in the plans provided, which only appear to be geared towards expanding the boatyard area and facilities for the Blue Grotto boat operators.
Furthermore, there are conflicting matters between what the photomontages and the drawings present as to the allocation of space above the new bathroom and ticketing facilities. The area currently in use as a high viewpoint / balcony next to the stairs appears to be replaced with a similar and larger open space accessible from the divers’ parking in the photomontages.
However in the submitted drawings, this same area is indicated that it will host solar panels and services related to the bathrooms, leaving only a narrow part. These will be unsightly and taking away valuable kitting up and dive briefing space.
The project indicates as well that due to level changes ca. an additional 20 steps will be added to the already significant amount of steps that one has to go up and down from to access the waterline, and the steps will be reduced in width at the southern corner of the development.
Considering that divers at this site must carry 30 to 40kg of equipment, this additional strain is significant and may increase the risk of Decompression Sickness when walking back up after a dive. Furthermore, the additional steps make this site even less appealing to less abled swimmers.
The project execution proposal should be questioned as to why no provision is made for mechanical assistance to such visitors, such as possibly a wheelchair stairlift or platform to be integrated within to resolve a present issue that will be made worse with the proposal made. It is incomprehensible that the CRPD did not address this issue, even though I contacted them directly about it.
The allocation of space underground additionally does not include any provision for divers, such as a first aid room for first aid staff on site in summer, nor an interpretation centre for the diving site and the nearby environment, which includes the Marine Protected Area of Filfla.
Hence again, no thought was spared to other users of the site. The area redevelopment opportunity should better consider both divers and other swimmers.
Many divers, including myself, believe the project will mainly benefit boat operators and their customers only.
Some believe that creating more boatyard space under the current road could offer an opportunity in the future to redevelop the existing first-floor level boatyard facilities to extend the catering facilities already above. We hope this project is not simply being done to accommodate such a possibility.
On behalf of the diving community, which also includes local divers, we ask the PA board to consider requesting alterations to the project to serve better all the visitors, not just those availing themselves of boat trips.
We also feel that the proposals attached to this email—which we previously made to various current and past Ministers and project promoters—should be adopted. These proposals call for a much larger review and utilisation of the underground space beneath the Belvedere and the top parking area at Wied iz-Zurrieq, shifting all vehicular access and boatyard facilities underground to achieve complete pedestrianisation of the zone.
Although this project proposal is larger in size, costlier, and longer-term, it would redefine the zone, cater to all stakeholders’ needs, and offer a better experience for all visitors.
Approving the current project as proposed in our opinion is short-sighted and aims to cater only for a few.
PA representation sent by divinginfo.mt
Representations in writing can be made to representations@pa.org.mt until 10 April 2026, or in person during the meeting. We will strive to attend the meeting online and report later the proceedings for those may not be able to join in person or online.