Underground car park is proposed for Spinola

A four-storey underground car park is being proposed for Spinola to alleviate parking problems and traffic congestion without using taxpayer’s money. Unlike the €7 million car park proposed for the Sliema Ferries, which will partly be funded by the planning authority’s Commuted Parking Payment Scheme, the Spinola car park will be self-funded through private enterprise. The site has already been earmarked for a car park in the 2006 local plan and will be crucial for the Spinola area once the Government fulfils its plans to pedestrianise the area. Architect Ray DeMicoli, spearheading the consortium Equinox Ventures Ltd, says the project will incorporate a supermarket, office and retail spaces, as well as 22 residential units. It will be situated adjacent to the St Julian’s parish church. Since studies have shown the car park will only be full during weekends, the other income is crucial to making the project sustainable, according to Mr DeMicoli. The development, which has yet to be given the planning authority’s approval, will retain the green character of the as yet undeveloped area through a series of terraces full of vegetation. According to the plans, there will be more trees...