The Ta’ Qali Crafts Village project launched

Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses Chris Cardona, officially launched the start of the Ta’ Qali Crafts Village project. In his opening speech, Minister Cardona said that regeneration of the area has been in the pipeline since 1992 however after all these years, it had still failed to materialise.

The investment of more than €10 million in European funds and €4 million from private investment, will restore the village and create a centre of excellence for the country’s artisanal skills. The minister outlined the main priorities for the future of the Crafts Village which include, providing the tenants with all the support they need to create a sound business plan and ensure a return on their investment whilst also seeking to embellish the area with new street lighting, parking facilities, public open spaces and the creation of a family area.

Under the new terms, tenants will have a legal title over the property at a fixed annual ground rent and on condition they would finance the construction of their new premises themselves whereas, Malta Industrial Parks will be responsible for carrying out the infrastructural work of the area.

Present during the press conference were also Tony Zahra, Chairman of Malta Industrial Parks, Karl Azzopardi, CEO of Malta Industrial Parks and Architect Ivan Bartolo, Project Manager. Some tenants who will be operating in the newly revamped Ta’ Qali Crafts Village were also in attendance.