Government completes £24m marina project

A £24m marina project at Coaling Island containing 700 small berths and around 600 metres for commercial activity, specifically for superyachts, was completed yesterday ahead of its official opening next Tuesday.

The two-year long project conducted by contractors GJBS includes a 16-metre-wide public promenade with seating facilities doubling up as protective barriers and a security fence complete with CCTV.

The promenade is an addition to Gibraltar’s highway with two-way traffic and parking facilities throughout the wharf for around 100 cars and motor bikes.

“We have created a magnificent facility and we have added a new feature to Gibraltar which is a great achievement,” said Gilbert Licudi, Minister for Justice and Education, who has overseen the project. “We often complain about losing access to the sea. This brings back access to the sea for the whole community to enjoy.”

The promenade and piers contain energy efficient LED lighting as well as first aid kits, life rings and safety ladders should an accident occur.

“We believe that this is the first time that these additional wharf facilities for possibly over 100 years when the Detached and South Moles were built,” the Minister said.

Mr Licudi said that Gibraltar is completely surrounded by sea people have not been able to own a boat because there were no berthing facilities available for several decades.

“This is much more than just a marina there is a promenade and a walking facility which can be used by the boat department for commercial purposes,” he said.

“This is part of the Gibraltar highway, so people going around for a spin can enjoy the great sea views, or the regattas that will take place opposite as a result.”

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