Grand Harbour regeneration project officially unveiled by Malta’s Prime Minister
The Grand Harbour regeneration project was officially unveiled this week by Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela at a launch event attended by Group Board Director Adrian Griffiths and Director Daniel Morgans, marking the beginning of a national regeneration project aimed at restoring life, economic activity and public access across Malta’s most historically important harbour.
During the launch, the Prime Minister set out his vision for a project to revive the Grand Harbour, celebrate its heritage, and create new opportunities, positioning the regeneration as a transformative investment in Malta’s long-term cultural and economic future.
Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela
He confirmed that the comprehensive regeneration masterplan is being developed by Chapman Taylor, drawing on the practice’s proven track record in delivering major waterfront and urban regeneration projects, including MediaCityUK in Manchester.
The next stage of the project will involve opening a six-week public consultation period, followed by the masterplan's progression towards implementation.
The unveiled vision seeks to transform the Grand Harbour into a world-class waterfront destination that protects Malta’s rich heritage while driving sustainable growth, creating new employment opportunities and supporting year-round tourism.
Group Board Director Adrian Griffiths described the Grand Harbour as a world-class asset, unlike any other harbour he has worked on globally. Adrian said the project is guided by three core principles: heritage, revival and opportunity. “Our aim is to create a natural and respectful attachment to the harbour, embedding ourselves within Maltese culture”.
The plan seeks to open the waterfront to the public through a series of new public spaces, including a people’s marina, retail, residential, hotel, food, and curated market spaces, improved ferry connections, and enhanced pedestrian access. The regeneration will be delivered in phases, with the former power station site identified as the initial catalyst project, involving the reorganisation and relocation of certain vessels in close coordination with relevant stakeholders.
Chapman Taylor Group Board Director Adrian Griffiths at the launch event
Sustainability and long-term resilience are central to the vision. Griffiths highlighted that Valletta is already one of the world’s most enduring and sustainable cities, having evolved successfully over centuries. The challenge lies in ensuring that new interventions strengthen durability and long-term value while fully respecting the city’s heritage.
Group Board Director Adrian Griffiths, Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela and Director Daniel Morgans
The Grand Harbour Revival Plan is anticipated to be delivered over the next 25 years, with authorities highlighting the importance of collaboration, national ownership and a collective commitment to creating a harbour that benefits both current and future generations.
Chapman Taylor is uniquely placed to lead the masterplanning of the Grand Harbour regeneration, drawing on decades of international experience in large-scale waterfront, urban regeneration and cultural precinct projects. The practice’s proven ability to balance heritage conservation with innovative placemaking and sustainable growth, coupled with deep understanding of complex stakeholder environments, positions it to deliver a thoughtful and resilient vision for the Grand Harbour. This expertise will be central as the project progresses from concept to implementation, ensuring the transformation delivers lasting economic, social and environmental value for Malta.