St Julian’s Residents: Living in Fear Amid Cresta Quay Excavation

Imagine waking up every morning to the rumble of heavy machinery, the sight of towering cranes, and a cloud of dust engulfing your home. This is not a scene from a disaster movie, but the reality for many residents of St Julian’s, Malta’s bustling tourism hub, due to the ongoing excavation works at Cresta Quay.

Cresta Quay, a once-bustling promenade lined with restaurants, shops, and hotels, is now a sprawling construction site. The area, nestled between the picturesque Spinola Bay and the iconic St George’s Bay, is being transformed into a mixed-use development, a project that has sparked both excitement and concern among locals.

The €150 million project, led by local property developer Tumas Group, promises to breathe new life into the area with luxury apartments, retail spaces, and a five-star hotel. However, the excavation phase, which began in late 2020, has left many residents feeling unsettled and anxious.

For Maria, a long-time resident of Triq il-Kappara, the noise and dust are just the tip of the iceberg. “I live in fear,” she says, her voice barely audible over the hum of heavy machinery outside her window. “I’m worried about the structural integrity of our homes. We’ve had cracks appearing in our walls, and no one seems to take responsibility.”

Maria is not alone in her concerns. Many residents have reported similar issues, with some even claiming that the excavation works have caused their homes to shift. The Malta Developers Association (MDA) has dismissed these claims, attributing the issues to normal settling processes.

However, Dr. Joseph Borg, a local geologist, raises a different concern. “The area around St Julian’s is known for its soft, clay-rich soil. Deep excavation works can indeed cause instability, especially if not carried out with the utmost care and oversight.”

The excavation works at Cresta Quay are being carried out under the watch of two authorities: the Planning Authority (PA) and the Environmental and Resources Authority (ERA). While the PA oversees the planning and development aspects, the ERA is responsible for ensuring that the project adheres to environmental regulations.

However, some residents feel that neither authority is doing enough to address their concerns. “We’ve been writing to both authorities for months, but we’ve seen little action,” says David, another resident of St Julian’s. “It’s like we’re being ignored.”

The PA and ERA, however, maintain that they are closely monitoring the situation. In a joint statement, they assured residents that they are “working tirelessly to ensure that the project is carried out in accordance with all relevant regulations and guidelines.”

Despite the challenges and concerns, there is a glimmer of hope. The project’s developer, Tumas Group, has agreed to install a monitoring system to track any movement in the surrounding buildings. They have also promised to increase communication with residents, keeping them informed about the progress and any potential issues.

the St Julian’s Local Council has stepped in, promising to mediate between residents and the authorities. Councilor James Piscopo reassured residents, saying, “We understand your concerns, and we’re doing everything in our power to ensure that your voices are heard.”

As the excavation works continue, one thing is clear: the Cresta Quay project is a balancing act. On one hand, it promises to revitalize the area, bringing new jobs and economic opportunities. On the other hand, it raises serious concerns about the well-being and safety of the residents.

, it is crucial that all parties involved – the developer, the authorities, and the residents – work together to ensure that this project is carried out responsibly and sustainably. After all, St Julian’s is more than just a construction site; it’s a vibrant community that deserves to be heard and protected.

In the words of Maria, “We’re not against development. We just want to ensure that it’s done in a way that respects our homes and our community.”